Jason Jones

Fri 14 August 2020 21:00, UK

If Rangers are to beat Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title this season, they know that their game-changing players will have to be at their best. 

One man who certainly falls into that category is Ryan Kent.

We’re all fully aware of just how special the winger can be on his day, but during his first season in Scotland after signing a permanent deal, he didn’t always hit the heights that were expected of him.

He has hit the ground running in 2020/21, however.

Three Premiership matches have yielded two goals already, and his finish against St, Johnstone in midweek was sublime.

But his overall player is really catching the eye too.

In that clash on Wednesday night, for instance, his crossing accuracy was 20.5% higher than his career average, while his dribble success rate was 8.8% higher, and his xG was 0.29 higher than usual, as per Wyscout.

Not only is he starting to affect matches more consistently, but he is also getting himself into dangerous areas much more regularly.

And his goal was a prime example of that.

As soon as Ianis Hagi picks up the ball and shapes to move it out wide, Kent makes a conscious decision to divert his run in-field.

With Alfredo Morelos high and wide on the right, the winger takes it upon himself to occupy that centre-forward role.

It’s been a fairly common trait in his play so far this season, and was the same tactic that worked so well for him in the build-up to his winner against Aberdeen.

The next thing to notice here is how well Kent checks his run.

As Borna Barisic looks to deliver his cross, the 23-year-old just eases up a little, creating a couple of yards of space between himself and the defender.

It’s a very simple piece of play, but that doesn’t make it any less intelligence, and Kent reaps the rewards thanks, in large part, to the wonderful accuracy of Barisic’s delivery.

That being said, Kent still has a lot to do, and he executes his effort brilliantly.

Struck on the volley, this isn’t just a hit and hope attempt, and you can see from his body shape that he is looking to lean back so as to direct the ball into the far corner and away from the goalkeeper.

It’s pretty much the perfect finish for the ball that was delivered, and really does deserve a lot of credit.

But even more promising is the overall level of Kent’s contribution at the moment.

He is absolutely flying, and if he can keep this up, he will be a vital player for the Gers this season.

In other Rangers news, Darren Fletcher has backed this Gers talent for big season in 20/21 after impressive showing v Aberdeen.