One of the biggest debates around the squad right now seems to be what we’re meant to be seeing from Connor Barron. For me, it’s pretty obvious. He’s not there to do highlight reels. He’s there to win duels, cover ground, snap into second balls and keep us from getting played through when the game gets messy.
That sort of midfielder can be easy to underrate because the work’s often done in the background. But every good side has one. Someone who breaks up play, keeps the tempo honest, and lets the more technical lads receive the ball in better areas instead of constantly turning under pressure.
Barron: the “donkey work” that matters
Barron’s best moments are usually the ones you don’t see trending online. A toe in to stop a counter. A simple pass that keeps us moving. A quick shuffle across to block a lane. It’s proper team-first stuff, and it’s exactly the kind of platform you need if you want your slicker midfielders to flourish rather than fight fires.
Rangers have had spells in recent seasons where the middle of the pitch felt either too nice or too open. When that happens, it doesn’t matter how good your wide players are. You’re always one turnover away from a problem. That’s why having a combative midfielder who enjoys the dirty side of it is vital.
Raskin’s lift, but we need consistency
On Raskin, the improvement was welcome, especially after he’s looked off it for a few weeks. The second-half showing in particular felt more like the player we all expected to see more regularly. The challenge now is backing that up.
At this level, you don’t get to be good every second of every match, but you do need a baseline. Rangers can’t carry passengers in central areas, not with the way games swing in the SPFL when the crowd gets edgy and the rhythm disappears.
The striker problem and the hard calls
There’s no getting away from it: we need another striker. The finishing and the presence up top is still too patchy, and it puts pressure on the rest of the side to be perfect.
From the options mentioned, the view here is clear: Miovski is the only one worth keeping at Rangers. Chermiti, on that basis, isn’t a better option and would be better served going out on loan with an option to buy if there’s interest. Danilo, meanwhile, doesn’t look like a natural central striker in the traditional sense, more a second striker type, and that’s why selling him is seen as a clean decision.
There are other moving parts too. If a decent offer comes in, there’s an argument for selling Dio. And for younger lads like Lyall Cameron, and possibly Findlay Curtis depending on who arrives, loans can be the sensible path if minutes are going to be limited.
Souttar and backing Danny Röhl
A new deal for Souttar feels like the right kind of steady call, especially when you consider how quickly squads can end up thin at the back. Continuity matters, even when you’re trying to refresh.
The bigger picture is Danny Röhl. If he gets the chance to bring in players that fit what he wants and really put his stamp on the group, there’s plenty of reason to believe he can be a very good head coach for Rangers. January is where that starts looking real.
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Rangers News Views offers daily Glasgow Rangers coverage including match reaction, transfer analysis, SPFL context, tactical breakdowns and opinion-led articles written by supporters for supporters.
