Ibrox View: Impressive McLaughlin kicking could be great asset for Rangers
Rangers took another significant step towards their preparations for next season with a 2-0 win over Olympique Lyon in a friendly on Thursday night.
The Gers ran out victors after an own goal and a second half strike from Ianis Hagi, and it was an assured defensive display to record a clean sheet too.
And one man who had a part to play in that was new signing Jon McLaughlin.
The ex-Sunderland keeper was chosen over Allan McGregor between the sticks, and he was generally impressive.
The stopper faced six shots, five of which were on target, and had an xCG of 0.81, as per Wyscout.
But he did what was asked of him and looked secure whenever he was called upon to make a stop – even if no single effort looked particularly troublesome.
And one area where he shone in particular was his distribution.
McLaughlin completed 100% of his short passes, and had a long pass completion rate of 83%.
To put that number in perspective, it’s 19.4% higher than McGregor’s season average.
And his long pass map from that game shows just how useful a weapon his distribution could be for the Gers.
McLaughlin repeatedly fired long balls out to the right flank.
In the instance above, for example, he is able to cut out the entirety of the Lyon midfield with a well-played long ball over the top to the most advanced Rangers player.
The man in blue wins his header, and on another day, if there’s a player closer to him – or even looking to make the run beyond him – then the Gers could have used McLaughlin’s kick as the foundation for a very useful counter-attack.
McGregor will almost certainly still be Gerrard’s number one this term, but McLaughlin has shown here that he will definitely give the manager something to consider.
At the very least, it’s pleasing to see we have such a capable deputy.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox View: Rangers could get 20/21 boost after transfer reports on rival striker.