Rangers Must Spend This Summer And Here Are 3 Areas Where They Probably Should
Whether it leads to a title or not, Rangers’ focus is on bridging this gap between themselves and Glasgow rivals Celtic. Brendan Rodgers’ men have been untouchable domestically and for the sake of competition, this has to change.
Whether Aberdeen, Hearts or Hibs like it or not, the most likely club to rise to the challenge is Rangers. The whole squad needs an overhaul, but for now, the below three areas are the main ones Rangers need to strengthen immediately:
Centre-Back
The atrocious change in transfer policy has cost Rangers dear this season and in no bigger way than at centre-back. The arrivals of Philippe Senderos and Clint Hill have hardly pushed Rangers on and up in a position where they were already severely lacking good options since the relatively heady days Bougherra and Weir.
The arrival of 20-year-old David Bates has latterly proven to be positive but with doubts remaining not only over last summer’s signings but also over Rob Kiernan, strengthening this position is absolutely key.
Right-Back
Having smashed in 10 league goals in the Championship as Rangers were promoted, James Tavernier looked like an excellent attacking full-back and became a fan favourite at Ibrox. This season though, he has 1 league goal in 31 games and it is perhaps not what is required from a modern right-back, especially when attempting to compete at the top of the league.
For his part, it looks as though Tavernier would prefer to play somewhere in the midfield and he may be afforded that move next season by his new Portuguese boss.
Rangers are fine on the other side; captain Lee Wallace still a very capable player at this level and youngster Myles Beerman looking like an excellent find. So it they are looking for bonus goals from defence, it must probably be here. With Rangers being linked with a lot of right-backs, fans can get excited about the potential arrivals in the summer.
Centre-Forward
Representatives from more than one recent opposition side have stated that there is no fear factor at Ibrox anymore. Teams are not scared to play there. So what’s changed? It’s not as though Rangers won the league every single year and beat everyone 7-0.
With the greatest of respect to them, defenders don’t scare the opposition. It’s the thought of a top forward line ripping you apart and putting up an embarrassing scoreline which makes visiting sides tremble. To do this, you always need a high scoring centre-forward.
The days of Mols, McCoist and even Boyd may have gone, but Rangers can still find a 30-goal striker for this league and must attempt to do so now. They have great support in Miller, Dodoo, McKay and the likes, but a proper no.9 must be on Caixinha’s wish list.