View: 2.3 key passes per game – Unheralded international who is key creative Gers cog
With James Tavernier on the opposite flank, Rangers left-back Borna Barisic is sometimes overshadowed by his full-back partner.
With eight goals and six assists in 14 Scottish Premiership appearances, Tavernier has rightly received plenty of plaudits so far this season. However, a closer look at the statistics show just how good Barisic has been too.
With 2.3 key passes and 2.5 crosses per Scottish Premiership game he averages the most in the Rangers squad, while he completes the fourth highest number of dribbles per match. He also makes 1.1 interceptions and 1.2 clearances per match on average, evidence of the defensive value he brings to Steven Gerrard’s well-drilled side (via WhoScored).
His movement is crucial too, with the intelligent runs he makes creating space for his teammates. Against Benfica, his overlapping run on left-flank was vital in providing Glen Kamara to cut inside for the second goal.
Going forward, Barisic’s presence will be especially important as Rangers look to take the step up and win the Scottish Premiership for the first time in nine years. As an experienced international, his qualities off the field will be valuable, while he can help the development of Calvin Bassey underneath him. He is also the type of player that looks comfortable at the Europa League level, where he has consistently impressed. During the group stage, no Gers player has averaged more passes into the penalty area than the 27-year-old left-back, while he ranks third in terms of expected assists (via FBRef).
With Barisic recording one goal and two assists so far, it is clear why he perhaps does not receive the same acclaim as Tavernier, who is currently their top goalscorer. However, when you consider that he plays behind Ryan Kent, one of Rangers most important attackers, it gives further context to his role. While Tavernier is afforded an almost blank cheque to attack, the Croatian must consider how he facilitates and combines with Kent. Understanding this responsibility and resisting the temptation to be selfish is a notable quality that should not go unnoticed.
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