Anthony Onifade

Sun 26 March 2023 9:40, UK

Rangers boss Michael Beale has overseen a tremendous upward curve since he took over from Giovanni van Bronckhurst at Ibrox in November.

The Gers have won 17 of their league games since he took over before the World Cup break, signalling that the club should be ready to fully challenge Old Firm rivals Celtic next season.

The Light Blues remain nine points from Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table and while hopes of usurping the Bhoys remain unlikely for the remainder of the campaign, the Gers can take some solace in their resurgence under Beale.

And this summer provides the club with the opportunity to close that gap between them and their rivals, both psychologically and in their recruitment.

What’s been mightily impressive about Beale’s tenure is the work he’s done with the players he inherited and here, at Ibrox News, we’ve taken the opportunity to jot down the Gers’ best XI of the 22/23 season so far.

Allan McGregor

This certainly looks like McGregor’s last season at Ibrox and it’s been a mixed one for him with Beale not seemingly convinced by his qualities at the Gers number one, constantly chopping and changing him in the XI with Jon McLaughlin, but the Ibrox legend, despite his errors this season, definitely takes his place as the best goalkeeper out of the two.

James Tavernier

An Ibrox legend, and a player certainly worthy of a near future testimonial if the club wills him to have one.

It’s now 392 appearances and 98 goals for the Light Blues after his free-kick heroics against Motherwell on 18 March.

His record for the Gers is simply incredible and unique, given his position as a right-back. Certainly, Tavernier’s goals have mostly derived from penalties and free-kicks but it shows that the Ibrox veteran has mastered his art and is able to deliver at crucial moments when the Gers need it most. Icon.

Connor Goldson

No matter his recent mistakes, Goldson is a defender the Gers and Beale can rely on given his leadership qualities and raft of experience for the club. He’s a certainty for the best XI of the campaign, but could his future as a starter in Beale’s XI be in jeopardy with the former QPR manager set to kick off a huge summer rebuild?

Ben Davies

A firm and sound presence in Beale’s back-line, Davies has massively impressed since his long injury-lay off before the turn of the year. He’s featured in every Gers game since then forming a solid defensive partnership with Goldson at the heart of the Gers back line.

However, like his defensive partner, with Beale set to undergo a stark rebuild, Davies’ position as a guaranteed starter could be under threat beyond this season.

Borna Barisic

Barisic hasn’t been spectacular and arguably takes his place amongst the best XI as there has simply been no competition for his place with summer signing Ridvan Yilmaz struggling to impose himself in Beale’s setup thanks to injury. However, one goal and seven assists so far this season are impressive numbers for the 30-year-old. His place will be under threat beyond the summer though.

John Lundstram

Beale’s key midfield enforcer and the man who keeps things ticking in the middle of the park alongside Ryan Jack. Notched an impressive five goals so far this season and is certainly deserving of his place in the best XI.

Ryan Jack

Rangers will surely be undergoing a stark rebuild this summer, as Beale continues to mould the squad into his image and with Jack’s contract running to an end at the end of May, his future at Ibrox looks uncertain.

However, if the veteran midfielder continues to pull up trees like he’s done in recent weeks, it won’t be a surprise to see Beale extend Jack’s deal. His invaluable experience could again prove invaluable next term as the Gers seek to topple their Old Firm Rivals Celtic once more.

Fashion Sakala

Sakala has at times been absolutely unplayable this season, so far registering seven goals and seven assists making him the Gers’ standout winger this turn, remarkably better than Ryan Kent on the opposite wing.

The player’s searing pace and attacking unpredictability easily make him a guaranteed component in Beale’s setup for the long term, and he’s a player the former QPR boss should be looking to build around, especially if Kent and Alfredo Morelos leave this summer.

Malik Tillman

The “outstanding” on-loan fan favourite has been a standout performer for the Light Blues in the 2022/23 campaign and Beale has made his desire to keep the 20-year-old permanently very clear.

The 20-year-old playmaker has undergone a stark and rapid development under Beale’s management with the ex-Ibrox assistant coach providing him with more of a refined and dynamic advanced role in the Rangers midfield.

Tillman has unquestionably repaid that faith and tactical decision with some superb returns in the final third, so far registering eight goals and four assists from 24 Scottish Premiership outings this season.

He’s a superb talent, one with the potential to become a Rangers icon. The Gers must snap him up permanently.

Ryan Kent

The Gers winger is out of contract at the end of the season and is currently free to discuss pre-contract deals with interested parties ahead of a potential summer transfer. D-Day certainly looms for him to make his decision.

Kent’s form has tailed off in recent weeks, with the former Liverpool star failing to register a goal in his last 12 Rangers appearances and registering just one assist in his last 10, suggesting that his head may well be elsewhere as his contract comes to a close. However, he remains a key outlet in attack for Beale, and it’s why the former QPR boss will be desperate to keep him.

Antonio Colak

Yes, we’ve made the bold decision of not including Morelos in the Gers best XI.

Colak has enjoyed a superb goalscoring campaign, despite suffering injuries and fitness issues for much of it registering 13 goals from 21 Scottish top-flight games, that’s four more than Morelos’ tally from his 26 outings.

The Colombian has failed to match the heights of previous seasons and with his future at the Ibrox in doubt, Colak may be handed a huge chance to stake his claim to Beale as Rangers’ permanent number nine for the long haul.

In other Rangers news, this Ibrox coach is being tipped to leave Govan for a “big club in England” as managerial speculation emerges south of the border.