Ibrox View: Rangers ace surely in danger of being axed if he doesn’t adapt to unfamiliar role
Ianis Hagi has had something of a rollercoaster season for Rangers so far in 2020/21.
It’s probably fair to say that the Romania international hasn’t hit the heights that he did during his loan spell at Ibrox last term, although he did show flashes of his usual creativity in the win over Dundee United.
The key difference in that game was that he was employed in a more central role just behind the strikers, where he operated most of last season
But once again Steven Gerrard reverted back to playing Hagi in a wide position against Willem II in midweek, and it’s safe to say that he didn’t do overly well.
The youngster registered a shot accuracy of 0%, a dribble success rate of 0%, and no crosses whatsoever, as per Wyscout.
His general anonymity was compounded by his xG of just 0.18, a considerable drop on the 0.33 that he has recorded otherwise this season.
As you can see from the graphic above, both of Hagi’s efforts on goal failed to trouble the Dutch outfit, and one in particular was more of a hit and hope than anything else.
Moreover, a look at Hagi’s heat map suggests he struggles to have any kind of meaningful influence when he operates on the flank.
Not only did he barely touch the ball against Willem II, but when he did it was in deeper positions, largely in his own half.
Compare that to his heat map against Dundee, when he was much more noticeable in possession, and did most of his work in a more advanced, central position.
Even the most cursory glance shows that it is blatantly obvious that Hagi is more suited to playing in a number 10 role than as a winger.
The fact that Gerrard isn’t picking up on this, or is choosing to ignore it, is a little concerning.
But from the player’s point of view, the most worrying thing will be that if he doesn’t learn to adapt to his manager’s preferred position for him soon, he will surely be in danger of being dropped.
In other Rangers news, Exclusive: Alex McLeish claims Rangers boss Gerrard needs to win a trophy this season.