Journalist moots surprise Rangers start for Sam Lammers v Aris Limassol after recent Philippe Clement decisions
Philippe Clement could hand a surprise Rangers start to Sam Lammers against Aris Limassol on Thursday (30 November), as mooted by Joshua Barrie.
The Rangers Review journalist, sharing his XI thoughts on his personal Twitter account (30 November) ahead of their crucial Europa League clash at Ibrox believes the Belgian could pick Lammers because of his size and threat on set-pieces.
Lammers was signed by Clement’s predecessor Michael Beale in the summer transfer window, joining from Italian club Atalanta but has struggled to nail down a regular place, especially under the Belgian after being dropped for their last two games.
And Barrie taking to his Twitter account shares that his preference would be to start Todd Cantwell in the role behind sole striker Danilo but sees Clement picking Lammers due to his set-piece threat and ball-winning abilities.
He tweeted: “I’d like to see Cantwell as the No.10 with McCausland on the right, but not convinced Clement will alter his approach.
“Could see him picking Lammers given his size (set-pieces/ball-winning) for a European game, but would opt for Lawrence. Goldson misses out through suspension.”
Critical call
Clement has certainly had plenty of time to get to know the players now having now managed eight games without defeat with six wins and two draws, and will be demanding further improvement from his players.
One player in desperate need of a new lease of life under the Belgian is summer signing Lammers who is still struggling for consistency since his move from Sampdoria.
Lammers has become an unfortunate scapegoat and symptom of the flailing Rangers attack at times this season and his woeful start to his Ibrox career has left several doubts over his long-term suitability under Clement’s management already.
Clement has made some big selection decisions already in his short spell at Ibrox and ahead of a must-win game against Aris at Ibrox on Thursday, it won’t be a surprise to see him opt for the Dutchman.
Despite his struggles in a Rangers shirt, Lammers does offer a considerable presence in the box that very few players in Clement’s side can produce plus his unexpected ability to win possession high up the pitch which certainly proves incredibly useful for Clement’s system.
It’s whether Lammers can produce those goods, plus regular goals and assists on a consistent basis that has held him back on several occasions already. A start against Aris may be his chance to revive his situation again.
In other Rangers news, Clement is working wonders on and off the pitch at Ibrox as Gers contract news emerges.