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Opinion: Gerrard lands on best Rangers starting XI, trophies the next step

Glasgow Rangers fans will be hoping that their side’s 2-1 win at Parkhead before the winter break is the springboard to silverware.

It appears that Gers boss Steven Gerrard now knows his best starting XI.

Rangers supporters have their fingers crossed that the back five players keep up their recent unbeaten form, and carry it into the second half of the season.

Allan McGregor is simply immense and captain James Tavernier looked to be back to his best at Celtic Park against the Hoops in the Gers’ 2-1 win. 

Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic are the strongest Rangers pairing at centre-back and left-back Borna Barišić is the most improved player at Ibrox. 

Barišić was the captain of Osijek when he signed for Gerrard’s Rangers,  and was spotted encouraging the team to get going again after Celtic’s wrongful hand-ball equaliser.

Since scoring that vital three pointer free kick at St Mirren, Barišić has never looked back, and the transformation of the man is astonishing.

The width and balance the Croatian provides for the team means he has become a massive player by supplying so many assisted goals, which have made such a difference to the Rangers’ results in every competition. 

If the Glasgow giants are to compete for the Scottish Cup, the Europa League and the SPFL title, these same defenders will have to maintain their current togetherness and form, in the hard-fought battles ahead.

Veteran Steven Davis has made a huge difference to the midfield set-up, along with the super talented Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara. 

It is a terrific achievement for Kamara to stave off Scott Arfield from the three midfield places as Rangers look for continuity.

Many pundits are congratulating manager Gerrard for tweaking the highly talented, all-round ability of left-footer Joe Aribo.

He has been outstanding in his new attacking role and very quickly has deserved his first choice wide-right position, and has become an important cog in the team.

Rangers paid £7 million for Ryan Kent to make a huge difference to Gerrard’s side, and on occasions has shown what he is capable of. 

He has tremendous potential, but his consistency often lets him down. He is currently working on his shooting – and it shows. 

Kent has scored some really good goals recently, but the fans will always love his Rangers opener against Celtic.

Finally, the Gers have the best number nine in the league in Alfredo Morelos, who despite discipline issues is scoring goals for fun this season.

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