Van Bronckhorst must start with Borna Barisic in Rangers clash v Braga
Giovanni van Bronckhorst will have to be tactically perfect to guide Rangers to victory against Braga on Thursday in the Europa League.
The Gers are trailing 1-0, and they need to score at Ibrox. Without Alfredo Morelos, the onus of responsibility falls on the shoulder of Kemar Roofe.
The Dutchman will be relieved to see Roofe netting a hat-trick last weekend, as the Bears won 4-0 against St Mirren.
If he is to replicate another similar heroic feat, Rangers need to play to his strength. And that is why Borna Barisic must start on Thursday.
Barisic has been a key player for the Gers for the past few years. He was the first-choice left-back at the club under Steven Gerrard, but he has dropped down the pecking order under the Dutchman.
He was pathetic against Celtic in the 3-0 defeat at Celtic Park and since then his confidence has hit rock bottom. Kris Boyd has suggested recently on Sky Sports that his future at the club looks uncertain, and that Van Bronckhorst doesn’t seem to trust him.
Football Insider reported in February 2020 that Barisic’s contract is worth over £20,000-a-week, and if one of the highest-paid players does not show his worth now, then when will he?
On Sunday, Barisic hinted at returning to his best form. He played out some fantastic crosses, and he was one of the main reasons why Roofe excelled.
To destroy Braga, Rangers will need more than just Ibrox support. If Roofe gets proper deliveries, he can score. Thus, Barisic can play a big role in the midweek clash.
In other Rangers news, Michael Owen predicts result of Rangers Europa League clash v Braga.