Derek Ferguson baffled as to why Philippe Clement continues to pick Sam Lammers at Rangers
Derek Ferguson has admitted that he is baffled as to why Philippe Clement continues to pick Sam Lammers ahead of Todd Cantwell centrally for Rangers.
The Dutchman has been preferred to the Englishman in the number 10 position since Clement arrived at Ibrox, with Cantwell instead forced into a wider role from the right flank in an attempt to accommodate both attacking talents.
But Ferguson cannot understand why Lammers continues to start week in and week out for the Belgian boss and has been left questioning what he brings to the Rangers attack as he struggles to find his feet since moving to Scotland.
Speaking on Open Goal (9 November, 1:17:12) he said: “I think his (Cantwell’s) best position is where Lammers plays. Lammers underachieves for me, but he keeps getting the nod.
“I don’t think he is a physical presence, Lammers. Are you kidding? There’s plenty of big boys but he’s not physical.”
What does he bring
It’s safe to say that the jury remains well and truly out on Lammers as the Dutchman seems to divide the Rangers fanbase, with some crediting his work ethic and drive to succeed while others have been critical of his lack of impact since making the switch to Scotland.
What appears to be frustrating for Ferguson is the knock-on effect that his involvement has had on the rest of the Light Blues’ side, with Cantwell being forced into a wider role that arguably doesn’t get the best out of his unique skillset.
Lammers did receive some credit for a couple of impressive runs against Sparta Prague, one of which created the space for Cantwell to slot home his first goal of the campaign. But in terms of his own individual display, he once again left a lot to be desired.
The 26-year-old is not a physical presence, he won half of his duels both aerially and on the ground in Thursday’s (9 November) win and lost even more battles against Dundee in his last Scottish Premiership outing [Fotmob].
There have been signs of gradual improvement in recent weeks, including a wonder strike against Dundee and Lammers was by no means bad against Sparta. But until the goals start flowing and performances improve, the Dutchman will continue to come in for criticism.
In other Rangers news, Scott Wright has shared an update on his own injury situation following his absence against Sparta Prague