To be blunt: yesterday felt like a reminder. Motherwell had the balance and the wide threat we simply didn't. Their midfield shape — led by Elliot Watt in that deeper role — gave them a platform. Our game looked flat, and the absence of Moore, Rommens and Tavernier only amplified the problem.
Midfield shape versus box-to-box energy
Watt playing the 6 is everything a side wants from that position. He gives protection, holds the line and allows his teammates to press with purpose. You can see why that looks textbook. By contrast, Raskin is a different sort of player: more box-to-box, more wander. Nothing wrong with that role, but you need the team to be set up around it. As it stood, Raskin's lack of positional discipline left gaps for Motherwell to exploit.
Wide players made the difference
People will point to numbers and you can see the argument — their left winger has been getting goals (17 this season, as mentioned) and Just has chipped in with around 14 goal contributions. That kind of output from wide areas changes games. We, meanwhile, had Skov Olsen as our main wide outlet and he looked isolated at times. Without natural width and the returning creative spark of Moore or Rommens, our attacking balance suffered badly.
What Rangers need to fix
This isn't doom and gloom — it's practical. We need clarity on roles. If Raskin is going to play box-to-box then someone else has to sit and give shape. If you don't have that sitting 6, teams with clever wide players will find space and punish you. Equally, losing experienced wide options and Tavernier's influence on that side costs you in both build-up and end product. Simple as that.
To be fair, you can see why the criticism is sharp. We were lacking in key positions yesterday, and that showed. It isn't about rewriting everything overnight; it's about recognising the specific problems: a missing defensive pivot when needed, bluntness out wide, and a need for a clearer tactical plan so players like Raskin can play to their strengths without leaving the team exposed.
Ranger fans want solutions, not excuses. Get the balance right and we stop getting outplayed in the areas that matter most.
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