Brian Laudrup calls for Ryan Kent to fire Rangers to Champions League success, admits concern over form
Brian Laudrup has admitted he has concerns over the form of Rangers star Ryan Kent and has called on Giovanni van Bronckhorst to give him more freedom.
The 25-year-old scored just three goals last season in 46 appearances, but registered 20 assists to show his level of quality and cement his place as the first-choice left winger at the club.
With a huge Champions League qualifier on Wednesday against PSV Eindhoven, Laudrup wrote in his Scottish Daily Mail column [August 23, pg 78] that he finds Kent’s current form “very concerning” and says the Gers need him to take more risks to really get the best from him ahead of the game.
“Ryan Kent produced an outstanding exhibition of his talent on the last occasion Rangers won a European match outside of Ibrox,” he said.
“As my old club now head to Eindhoven hoping to make the group stage of the Champions League, they are absolutely crying out for the version of Kent that tormented Borussia Dortmund in February.
“Will we see it? I certainly hope so. Everyone knows how highly I rate Kent’s talent, but I’ve been a little bit worried by what I’ve witnessed in the early games of this season.
“There seems to be a shortage of confidence and conviction in his play. Some of that might be down to tactical instructions from Giovanni van Bronckhorst, If so, I would love to see Kent given the freedom to truly flourish because Rangers still don’t have anyone else quite like him.
“There could be a lot on his shoulders against PSV. In times past, we have looked to Alfredo Morelos to produce something special on European nights. But after the sheer stupidity of his red card against Hibs on Saturday, the striker is no closer to being properly fit.
“That likely puts even more onus on Kent. Yes, Rangers have signed some attack-minded players of promise in Antonio Colak, Tom Lawrence, Malik Tillman and Rabbi Matondo. But Kent is the one who’s got it all including a real depth of European experience.
“Last season, he only scored three times across all competitions, which wasn’t great, but it sat beside an excellent return of 20 assists. His creative power is clear. Right now, though, I just think there’s something missing.
“We’re hardly ever seeing him take a player on and then have a go himself. He’s getting the ball and going inside and passing or going outside and crossing. To me, it’s all very unconvincing.
“Sometimes, you need to almost force it. One good dribble, one good strike at goal, one assist, can be all that’s needed to get you firing again.”
Needed
If ever the club has needed their star man to step up and deliver on the big stage, it’s in tomorrow’s game against PSV Eindhoven.
Kent has been mediocre so far this season with just one assist and no goals in seven appearances so far during the campaign, and after the 2-2 draw in the first leg at Ibrox the club must get a win away in the Netherlands to make the group stages of Europe’s premiere competition.
Kent’s lack of goals has always been something that has been used against him, but now that he is entering the prime years of his career the excuse of development is no longer valid. He must start performing.
There’s no doubting his ability and qualities on the ball, but he needs to start scoring more frequently to take pressure off the rest of the team too.
It’s a big game and the club need their big players to perform, so it’s time for Kent to earn that starter spot once again.
In other Rangers news, club given an injury update on Ianis Hagi as his father speaks out