Ibrox View: Reported target Morgan Fox could be good asset for Rangers next term
Rangers have approached the summer transfer window at quite a pace.
The Gers have already wrapped up deals for Ianis Hagi and Leicester City full-back Calvin Bassey, and have been linked with a number of other players besides – including Liverpool starlet Rhian Brewster.
Among the list of potential targets that we have seen reported in recent months is Sheffield Wednesday full-back Morgan Fox, who is out of contract in the coming weeks.
According to TEAMtalk, the 26-year-old is attracting attention from a number of clubs, with the Gers firmly in the race for his signature.
But bearing in mind that they have Borna Barisic as their undisputed first choice at Ibrox, and that new boy Bassey also specialises in that position, you would have to ask whether another deal for a left-back is really necessary this summer.
In an attacking sense, Fox struggles to measure up to the Croatian.
Barisic has averaged 13.8% more successful dribbles this term, as well as having a cross accuracy that is 1.1% higher than Fox’s, as per Wyscout.
But that’s not to say that the Welshman is a complete write-off.
Defensively, he has averaged 0.8 more interceptions per game than Barisic this term, as well as 0.84 more clearances and having a duel win rate that is 1.3% better.
The image above illustrates each of the 11 interceptions that Fox made during his side’s clash with Rotherham United earlier this season.
The main thing that jumps out at you is just how evenly they are distributed throughout the left side of his defensive third.
He may not push on in the same way that Barisic does, but performances like this one prove that he is a player who can be relied upon to read the game astutely and put his foot in when required.
He’s sharp into the tackle too.
In the image above, taken from Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Leeds United earlier this season, Fox is the player on the edge of the box.
As the ball breaks loose, it becomes a straight 50/50 between him and his opponent, but his awareness and defensive sensibilities allow him to win out with ease.
Fox covers the ground well before stretching out his left boot to clean out both ball and men in a perfectly time challenge.
As an added kicker, his interception finds a teammate and allows his side to launch a counter-attack.
Perhaps Fox wouldn’t be able to displace Barisic in the starting XI, but he is a solid covering option who could provide some much needed strength and depth, especially considering Bassey is so inexperienced at senior level.
If we can snap the Welshman up for nothing this summer, and if his wages aren’t astronomical, this could only be a positive move for the Gers.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox Exclusive: Bruce claims reported Rangers target Fox is a ‘really decent little player’.