Philippe Clement makes ‘frustrated’ Todd Cantwell admission after Rangers beat St Mirren
Rangers boss Philippe Clement concedes Todd Cantwell was “frustrated” with himself after his performance versus Aris Limassol and the pair had a “really clear talk” prior to the win over St Mirren on Sunday (3 December).
Cantwell was selected on the right wing in the lacklustre Europa League showing versus Limassol but was hooked before half-time of that fixture.
Playing in a more familiar ’10’ role against St Mirren, Cantwell provided two assists for Abdallah Sima in a 2-0 triumph.
Clement, speaking to the media in quotes reported by the Rangers Review (3 December), says Cantwell will still be utilised in other positions moving forward, though.
“I already selected him. For me his selection was already assured before. We talked about the game on Thursday and he agreed that he was not doing what he should do. He was frustrated himself about that. So this was the reaction I wanted to see,” he said.
“It’s a team sport. Otherwise we need to become a tennis player or something! You’re part of a team, Todd is part of a team. We talked about that. We know it’s a better position for him but we also have to look at the other circumstances with all the injuries.
“We didn’t have many players available and he did a good job there also. Don’t forget this. Against Sparta Prague he was one of the best players. And he knows that. He stays available to play on the right side or the left side. About that we also had a really clear talk.”
Play him in his best position
It is true that players have to be adaptable and be able to adjust to different positions, often they have to take this onus themselves in game when they see what spaces and movements are available.
That said, when you have a player like Cantwell who can be so influential for this Rangers team it begs the question of why play him outside of his favoured position? Clement clearly needs additions out wide to suit is his way of playing but Cantwell is so clearly best utilised in a more central role.
Against St Mirren, it was hardly a vintage Rangers performance that much is certainly true. But Cantwell was very impressive in an attacking midfield role, so moving forward Clement needs to rule with his eyes and keep Cantwell in his best position.
If he does this then it will benefit the manager, the player, the supporters and the rest of the team. He is so obviously more influential in a central attacking role, so keep him there!
In other Rangers news, here are the player ratings from the victory over St Mirren.