Calvin Bassey reflects on positional change in Rangers win v Borussia Dortmund
Calvin Bassey has admitted that playing at left-back is physically demanding after Rangers earned a huge victory against Borussia Dortmund.
The Gers are well placed to progress through to the knockout rounds after they took a healthy 4-2 lead against the German giants on Thursday in the Europa League.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst made a smart tactical switch in that game using a three-man defence.
Bassey played the game as a central defender instead of a left-back, and did really well alongside Connor Goldson.
He said as quoted by Evening Times: “Centre-back you need more communication and it sort of starts with you on the ball, if you can beat the first press, you’ve got the responsibility of setting the tone for the team in terms of beating the press and being brave.
“If me and Connor Goldson are brave it goes throughout the team and everyone then wants to play.
“Left-back is more physically demanding, you’re up and down to attack and defend. I just enjoy playing and want to play.”
Focus
Rangers must not get carried away after securing a memorable victory.
The tie is not over yet, and in the second leg, Erling Haaland could feature, so the Gers need to be extra alert.
It will be interesting to see how Van Bronckhorst approaches the second leg.
However, the focus now shifts back to the league, where the Gers will face Dundee United in their next game.
Since suffering the 3-0 defeat against Celtic, they have come back sharply, winning four games in a row in all competitions.
The Gers must not lose their focus, rather they should aim at securing all three points and get themselves in a positive frame of mind ahead of the second leg.
Will the Dutchman implement another three-man defence system? It seems unlikely. At home, he will be more comfortable with the 4-3-3 system. Getting an early goal will be key.
In other Rangers news, Rangers boss explains sub v Dortmund, shares player fitness ahead of Dundee Utd clash