Ibrox View: Rangers outcast surely deserves second chance, big name must be axed
RANGERS OPINION
Rangers have failed to look solid at the back for quite some time now.
Just four clean sheets in 11 matches since the beginning of February tells its own story, and we at Ibrox News have already taken an in depth look at how the shaky form of Connor Goldson has impacted the Gers at key moments.
And it would appear that many fans have lost their patience with the centre-back.
According to a poll conducted by Glasgow Live, a majority of supporters consider Nikola Katic and Filip Helander to be the Gers’ strongest central defensive partnership.
While the Swede has been sidelined with injury for some time now, Katic has been ousted from the starting XI for purely tactical reasons in recent weeks.
But does he deserve another shot in the first team?
The numbers would certainly suggest so.
As per Wyscout, the 23-year-old has won 71.3% of his defensive duels this term, compared to Goldson 64.6%.
Moreover, he has registered 9.92 aerial duels won per game, compared to 6.67 from Goldson.
Granted, there are areas where Goldson edges things, such as making 4.07 clearances to Katic’s 3.94, but by and large, the stats would suggest that Katic is having a more effective, impactful season.
On top of all of that, the Croatian has given the ball away fewer times in his own half this term, and recovered it on more occasions too.
Is it time for Gerrard to take the plunge and drop Goldson when action resumes?
At this stage, the answer could well be bad news for the Englishman.
In other Rangers news, Gers given six-figure financial boost amid Coronavirus pandemic.