Rangers: Philippe Clement must keep faith with Tom Lawrence v Aberdeen, he can unlock them for fun
Tom Lawrence could well become Philippe Clement’s unexpected success story at Rangers and that exciting new chapter must be continued against Aberdeen on Sunday (26 November).
The Gers are on a terrific run of form since the Belgian’s appointment in early October, winning six of his seven games in charge and so far on a stretch of five consecutive wins in the Scottish Premiership.
During that run, Clement has tried to find the perfect formula for a midfield that had been flattering to deceive during the latter stages of Michael Beale’s tenure.
And Rangers fans will certainly argue the former Monaco coach has made the best use of what he has at his disposal but not many will have expected the resurgence of Lawrence, who’s taken on new responsibilities under the Belgian.
Beale revealed on 24 September that Lawrence had suffered an injury setback against Real Betis [Rangers Review], which saw him miss the games between 21 September and 9 November.
Having started just two Scottish Premiership games so far this season, Lawrence’s role under Clement has been somewhat uncertain, but recent displays and cameos show the former Derby County maestro may just be what the Belgian is looking for in terms of creativity.
BBC Sportscene pundit Mark Wilson on 12 November, claimed that Lawrence could be a “Huge” asset for Rangers and Clement if he can stay fit with former Ibrox hero Kenny Miller also believing (Daily Record, 19 November) that Clement wants the 29-year-old to become an unlikely star.
Miller said: “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.
Indeed, Lawrence is the perfect fit. In fact, his small samples of displays under Clement have been more convincing and promising than any of the Belgian’s alternative advanced midfield profiles.
From his four league appearances so far this season, and an average of 50 minutes per game, the Welshman has completed 100% of his attempted dribbles, drawn 1.3 fouls per game and averaged 1.8 key passes per game with his creativity thriving. [Sofascore]
His last appearance against Livingston before the international break (12 November) proved the perfect example. He may not have excelled in the way of his defensive work, winning just two duels and giving away a foul but that’s not what Clement will be looking for.
The Belgian will certainly be demanding Lawrence to exert his influence in the attacking third and that’s what he did, registering a whopping five key passes, grabbing one assist and completing 100% of his dribbles [SofaScore].
What has probably set Lawrence apart from his positional counterparts at Ibrox was the way in which he found space on numerous occasions against Livingston.
In the image above [WyScout], he’s able to find space in the middle third giving him the freedom of the whole of Livingston to instigate attacking moves and become the imaginative outlet Clement needs in getting the ball into dangerous areas.
Not only will he be required in the final third but when space is available in the middle for him to create from deep.
But, it’s in the final third where Lawrence is at his best, as shown in the above, creating a chance for John Lundstram on the edge of the 18-yard box.
The former Derby County can also create from the half-spaces and out wide too. In the image below, he finds a dangerous pocket of space again, before whipping a sublime half-space cross which Abdallah Sima at the far post nearly got on the end of.
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.
Against Livingston, the 29-year-old showed he can become the linchpin to Clement’s attacking weaponry and that must certainly be continued against Aberdeen. Deploying him in those half-spaces means he is well set up to unlock them for fun.
In other Rangers news, star may have played final game for the club after injury curse strikes again.