Rangers: Sky Sports pundit convinced Philippe Clement wants Tom Lawrence to be new Ibrox star
Kenny Miller believes Philippe Clement wants Tom Lawrence to become the new star at Rangers, with his skillset the perfect fit for the boss’ style of play.
The former Ibrox hero claimed Clement will want a midfielder who can run beyond the striker and get on the end of opportunities in the box, with comparisons made to Scott Arfield, Ian Durrant and Colin Cameron.
Lawrence’s willingness and desire to be involved in the attacking phase of play has been hailed by Miller, who claims we may be about to see the very best of the Welshman at Ibrox.
Sky Sports pundit Miller wrote in his column for the Daily Record [19 November]: “A midfielder who wants to run forward and beyond his striker to get on the end of things.
“There aren’t too many around any more. When I played, wee Colin Cameron was the best at it for Wolves. He was the master. Rangers have always had them as well from the legendary Ian Durrant right through to Scotty Arfield, who recently left the club.
“But I’m convinced that it’s something Philippe Clement wants within his team now. And in Tom Lawrence – who has returned from injury just at the right time – he has the perfect fit.
“When Lawrence got his first start under the new gaffer – he made three runs beyond Danilo up front in the first 10 minutes. That willingness and desire to get involved and score goals will be key to what Clement wants to achieve at Ibrox this season.
“I’ve always liked Lawrence as a player but we just haven’t seen the best of him yet at Rangers due to injuries. That might be about to change.”
Time to step up
Lawrence’s Rangers career so far has been blighted by injuries, but upon his return, he has looked impressive in Clement’s side and will be looking to make his mark on the first-team and earn more of a regular starting place.
Miller detailed how in his first start under the new boss, Lawrence was keen to make runs beyond Danilo to crash the box and cause an overload for the opposition defence, which could prove a vital part of the way Rangers will play for the rest of the season.
This looks to be a clear tactical instruction from Clement, keen to have his midfielders chip in with goals and assists by becoming effective presences in the box, and the Welshman’s understanding of the game and willingness to make those runs will suit him perfectly.
It has the potential to be a big season for Lawrence as far as his Rangers career is concerned, as he appears to have found his role in the team and will be looking to make it his own.
In other Rangers news, one Ibrox star was sent home from international duty.