Alex Rae spots one big Rangers issue v Red Star Belgrade
Rangers won 3-0 against Red Star Belgrade in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday.
Former Ibrox man, Alex Rae, noted an interesting point while commentating on the game last night.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst made two changes in the second half, with James Sands and Fashion Sakala replacing Ryan Jack and Joe Aribo in midfield.
Rae suggested that one of the issues for Van Bronckhorst is that he doesn’t have a like-for-like midfield replacement.
In fact, he hinted that Alex Lowry could have been an option as he made the bench last night.
“One of the issues they (Rangers) have is that they don’t have an out-and-out midfielder to replace someone,” said Rae during the second half commentary for BT Sport, as quoted on The Daily Record.
“They don’t have an option for fresh legs other than young Lowry.”
Big win
Lowry is a fantastic young prospect and Van Bronckhorst surely will have big plans for him going forward.
He made his debut and scored against Stirling Albion in the Scottish Cup earlier this year.
He also featured against Livingston and Annan Athletic. He has also impressed in the UEFA Youth League and other junior competitions.
Lowry is only 18, and he will get plenty of opportunities in the future.
Van Bronckhorst does promote youth when given the chance, and Lowry is developed gradually.
The problem raised by Rae, however, stands valid.
Jack and Aribo are two exceptionally good players, and it’s hard to replace them straight away.
Probably, this is one area Van Bronckhorst will consider in the summer transfer window, where he could look to add depth in that region.
Lowry wasn’t needed as goals from James Tavernier, Alfredo Morelos and Loen Balogun ensured the Gers take a big lead ahead of their return leg.
In other Rangers news, Mark Hateley is baffled by Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s decisions.