Steven Gerrard wants to fit Nathan Patterson and James Tavernier into same team
Rangers played their two right-backs Nathan Patterson and James Tavernier together during Saturday’s friendly against Arsenal.
The Scotland international came off the bench at the start of the restart, with the skipper moving further up the pitch.
Playing both of them would require Rangers manager Steven Gerrard to change his formation, and he admitted after the 2-2 draw that he is considering doing that.
Gerrard told Rangers TV after the game: “We’re going to consider it because they are two really good players.
“But it’s not going to happen at the flick of a switch, it’s something we’re going to have to work on in training, we’ll have to get them used to it. They’re two fantastic players so I can’t have one of them on the bench for every game of the season that’s for sure.
“There will be times when it’ll suit us and times when I don’t need it but it is something that’s on my mind, and it is something we’re going to experiment with.”
Much-needed
Scotland have found a way to play their two left-backs Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney together, and Rangers have to come up with a way to fit in Patterson and Tavernier into the same line-up.
The English defender was picking up the ball with his back to goal in the second-half against Arsenal, rather than bursting into space as he is used to, operating in a central position.
It was a struggle for him and we do not see him excelling as a number 10 after years at right-back.
Having him play in the right of a back three, with Patterson playing as a wing-back or vice-versa would likely work, and that gives us more options against different types of oppositions going forward.
Gerrard knows Rangers would need to be dynamic at times to have a chance of impressing in Europe and defending the title next season, and his two right-backs would give him that option.
Patterson is too good to continue staying on the bench, and we are excited with the potential he has shown in recent months and what lies ahead.
In other Rangers news, player could land deal with Europa League club after Ibrox exit.