Rangers ‘warrior’ Connor Barron can be Danny Rohl’s secret weapon in title chase
Rangers star Connor Barron can be Danny Rohl’s secret weapon in the title race after his return from injury.
Barron was taken off in the 2-0 win over Aberdeen in January and missed two months with a knee injury, in a gutting development.
However, the Scottish midfielder returned to action in the Gers’ 1-0 win over St Mirren on 15 March, playing the final 18 minutes of the cameo off the substitutes’ bench.
Rohl’s side are now just three points off the title, after Hearts loss to Kilmarnock the day before, and will fancy their chances.
Rangers desperately needed Barron back, and now they have him they can push on and mount a proper tilt for the championship.
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Who labelled Barron as a ‘warrior’ for Rangers?
Former Rangers boss Barry Ferguson loves Barron and was full of praise for the 23-year-old after the narrow victory at the SMiSA Stadium.
He opened up on Barron on the Go Radio Football Show on 16 March, waxing lyrically about his mentality and his willingness to improve.
Ferguson said: “It’s always tough coming from Aberdeen to Rangers. But listen, one thing about the young man, young Connor, is he’s an absolute sponge. He’s desperate to get better and learn. And one thing he always gives you is 100 percent.
“He’s a little warrior and it’s brilliant to see him back because, as I mentioned, he was in real good form before he got that injury.”
How has Barron performed so far this season?
Barron will be vital for the Light Blues’ title hopes, he has proved that in his 20 league appearances this season, 13 of which have been in the starting line-up.
He has recorded an average of 0.8 shots, 1.05 key passes and recorded an 89 per cent pass accuracy, per Sofascore.
Defensively, he stands out, making 0.8 interceptions, one clearance, 1.95 tackles, and 4.1 recoveries per game.
In terms of duels, he has won 54 per cent on the ground, which works out at 3.4 per match, which highlights how important he is.
Aerial battles are perhaps his only weakness, as he only wins 44 per cent of those, which takes his overall duel rate down to 52 per cent.
He offers Rohl a secure option in the middle of the park, that can allow the likes of Nicolas Raskin and Tochi Chukwauni to thrive in more advanced roles.
His return will be pivotal and could be the difference between the Bears winning the title or coming up short as they try to chase down Derek McInnes’ side.
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