Connor Goldson and James Tavernier are two of Steven Gerrard’s favourite players in his current Glasgow Rangers side – but he might have to think again.
I still support Gerrard, but his failure to drop certain players is annoying the die-hard Gers fans who are watching some players of going through the motions.
Most of the Rangers players are not performing in 2020 to previous standards – and certainly not to be ever-presents in the starting XI.
When signing Gerrard, Chairman King was clear in his press conference that he was the board’s first choice to become Rangers new manager.
He ticked all the boxes except one – he wasn’t an experienced manager.
The ex-Liverpool and England legend is certainly a global name, and was an incredible player, and that’s why he got the Rangers job.
An influential figure who stood a chance of bringing silverware to the Ibrox club, by signing players that want to work with him as the coach.
Gerrard has done well considering he was a youth-team coach, with no experience of managing a top level club or any first team, in any country.
He is a very likeable, decent guy who clearly cares about Rangers and is giving it his best shot – but is he a little out of his depth at the moment?
I’ll continue to support him as long as he’s at Ibrox, but he must turn this present situation around, for his own long-term survival at Rangers.
The team in general have dipped in form and the amount of games are appearing to be catching up on Rangers’ relentless fixture list.
A change as good as a rest?
Gerrard could consider changing to a back three. It’s becoming obvious to me that playing with a back four is not working out often enough for Rangers in the SPFL.
Goldson and Tavernier are clearly very highly valued by their manager, however, it might be time to consider replacing them in the team.
Choosing scapegoats is not the answer to Rangers’ predicament, but the noise emanating from the stands speaks volumes to the fans’ honest feelings.
Tavernier came back too soon after his appendix operation, and hasn’t got anywhere near the form required as a Rangers starter.
The Gers are extremely vulnerable at corners and set pieces, so they have to work harder to combat this grave weakness.
Sadly, finesse of continental football is substituted in Scotland with muscle and brawn.
I think Gerrard has done a decent job so far, but Rangers must apply some Scottish steel to their play, especially during the winter away ties.
I’ve always said Tavernier would be a major asset to the team playing as a wing-back, which would negate some of his defensive responsibilities.
I’m not convinced about Goldson, but at least his poor performances are interspersed with some very good ones – Braga away is a good example.
I would suggest using 18-year-old Nathan Patterson on occasions with a few home games, to prepare the teenager for next season at right back.
With Tavernier injured, completely out of form and low on confidence, let’s see if Patterson shows enough talent to remain in Gerrard’s first team.
There’s always American Matt Polster if the youngster is not quite ready to be dropped in at the deep end.
Gerrard will definitely persevere with Goldson until Filip Helander is fit.
The team desperately needs two top-class centre halves playing well together as a solid defensive unit to win any silverware.
Some fans are saying that Mark Warburton, Pedro Caixinha, and Graeme Murty would not survive this diabolical start to 2020 – so why is Gerrard?
Unlike the others mentioned, Gerrard has improved Rangers first team and his squad. I’m sure the other managers would not have.
Even after three recent defeats and a draw, this time the Gers are better off in points than they were in the two previous seasons.
Rangers are contesting a quarter final place in the Europa League and also got to the final of the League Cup.
When you consider adding three wins against Celtic for the first time in years and include the brilliant 2-1 win at Parkhead, he’s done alright.
Conclusion: Rangers have improved under Gerrard and if the fans stick by him, the Gers should be better off next season again.
