Ibrox View: Who would be the winners and losers if Rangers switched to a 3-5-2?
The prospect of Rangers altering tactics to try a 3-5-2 formation has been touted quite a lot recently.
The debate was sparked into life after Steven Gerrard admitted in a recent press conference that his men have all the tools needed to pull off the change in shape.
As quoted by the Daily Record, he said: “We’ve got that option with four terrific centre-backs and more firepower in the door.”
But if the boss does decide to mix things up a little in the coming weeks, who in his squad would benefit, and who would suffer?
Ibrox News have taken a look at the potential winners and losers of a new game plan:
WINNERS
George Edmundson, Filip Helander, Nikola Katic
Basically, any centre-back who isn’t in that first choice pairing of Leon Balogun and Connor Goldson will have a chance of benefiting.
Three at the back would allow Gerrard to slot another central defender into his lineup, giving the side more solidity and a steadier foundation to build on.
In their own right, Edmundson, Helander, and Katic (although injured) could all stake a claim for a starting spot, but with Balogun making such an impact since he arrived on a free transfer this summer, all three could find themselves a little frustrated in the current 4-3-3 setup.
James Tavernier, Borna Barisic
Truth be told, Tavernier and Barisic play like wing-backs anyway.
Between them, they averaged 12.73 crosses per game last season, as per Wyscout, and made 0.48 assists per 90 minutes.
Why not play to their natural attacking strengths by pushing them further up the pitch and cutting them loose of some of their defensive responsibilities?
They have the potential to cause havoc.
Jermain Defoe, Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten
Right now, the Gers are fortunate enough to have four first rate striking options available to them.
The issue with that is that the current system only really leaves space for one to start consistently, and while he may not be at the club for much longer – especially considering recent interest from AC Milan – Alfredo Morelos is firmly Gerrard’s first choice at the moment.
Playing a second striker would give greater opportunities to the other talent the Gers have at their disposal, and would allow them to really go to town on some of the weaker sides they come up against.
LOSERS
Ryan Kent
The wide man has made an impressive start to the new season, scoring twice in his first three Scottish Premiership matches.
But it’s difficult to see where he would fit into a 3-5-2.
Unlikely to displace Barisic or Tavernier out wide, and certainly more suited to a spot on the flank than in a central midfield three, Kent could find himself on the outside looking in through no real fault of his own.
Ianis Hagi
The Romanian would face a similar situation to Kent if Gerrard decides to make a switch to 3-5-2.
Since making his move to Ibrox permanent over the summer, he has generally operated on the right wing, but has also dropped into a more advanced central midfield role on occasion.
The issue he faces, therefore, is that Joe Aribo has been irresistible since the new campaign kicked off.
The Nigeria international has a higher pass completion rate, higher total action success tally, higher shot accuracy, and has contested 14.96 more duels per 90 minutes too, as per Wyscout.
By contrast, Hagi looks like a bit of a luxury player in that setup, and it’s hard to see how he could hope to usurp his more composed, combative teammate.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox Exclusive: Alex Bruce hails Rangers after ‘perfect’ start to season.