‘Sensational’ – James McFadden blown away by ‘magnificent’ Rangers talent in 5-1 win v M’well
James McFadden has hailed Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield for his “sensational” play in the build-up to Jordan Jones’ goal against Motherwell on Sunday.
The Canada international played an integral role in the winger’s strike in the 5-1 win, slipping a through ball into his path before an emphatic left-footed finish.
Arfield added a second assist when he played in Cedric Itten for his first goal in a Gers shirt deep into the second half.
Those lay-ons were his second and third in his last three outings, and McFadden was suitably impressed with the quality he exhibited.
Speaking on Sky Sports‘ coverage of the match at Fir Park (Sky Sports Football, 11am, September 26th), he said: “I think it’s magnificent from Arfield to get away from [Mark] O’Hara, to play the quick one-touch passing, and then the weight of passing in behind [Ricki] Lamie.
“Yes, you’re going to try and pick holes in it [the defending], but I just think it’s sensational play from Scott Arfield to put it into the path of Jordan Jones, and it’s a brilliant finish.”
How important is Arfield to this Rangers side?
If we’re being honest, Arfield is a bit of a strange one.
When Steven Gerrard has a fully fit squad, does he get into a midfield three ahead of Joe Aribo, Steven Davis, Ryan Jack, or even Glen Kamara? Probably not.
And yet, it feels as if he contributes something just about every time he plays.
His performance against Motherwell on Sunday takes his tally to three assists and two goals in his last three games, and he enjoyed a similar purple patch at the end of last season when he managed three strikes and an assist in his final six Scottish Premiership matches.
The experienced midfielder only seems to be getting better and better too.
His pass completion rate is up 6% on his average last season, while his total action success rate is 8% higher and his shot accuracy is 2% higher, as per Wyscout.
Sunday’s display was another stellar performance from the 31-year-old, and he deserves all the recognition that he gets from pundits like McFadden.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox View: Rangers ace surely in danger of being axed if he doesn’t adapt to unfamiliar role.