Casper Widell can turn Rangers defence from laughing stock into dominant Scottish Premiership force
Casper Widell could be the man to turn around Rangers fortunes in defence.
Danny Rohl‘s side could not stop conceding after the split, with 12 goals allowed in just five games, which saw the Gers’ title chances crumble.
The back line was a laughing stock, and they need to address it in the transfer window, so the side can mount a genuine challenge.
A report from Expressen on 30 May claims that the Gers want to sign Widell, who is looking for a “dream move” away from Excelsior.
The 23-year-old could be the man to turn Rangers’ defence into a dominant force, if they can secure a deal ahead of rivals from the English Championship.
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How did Widell perform this season?
Widell could prove to be a bargain addition for Rangers, and the numbers suggest that he could have a very positive impact.
He is comfortable passing the ball out from the back, completing 83 per cent of his passes, according to data from Sofascore.
Widell is particularly adept in possession in his own half, with a 93 per cent success rate when it comes to passes in that area.
| Widell’s stats this season | Eredivisie |
| Pass accuracy (own half) | 83%(93%) |
| Tackles per game | 1 |
| Ball recoveries per game | 2.9 |
| Clearances per game | 7.3 |
| Ground duels won | 53% |
| Aerial duels won | 65% |
Defensively, he averaged one tackle, 2.9 ball recoveries and 7.3 clearances on a per-game basis in the league this season.
The Swede won 53 per cent of his ground duels and 65 per cent of battles in the air, which is a very solid ratio.
How does Widell compare to Rangers’ current options?
Souttar averages one tackle, 3.4 ball recoveries and 6.2 clearances, per game, which are similar figures to the Swedish star.
The Scottish ace boasted a 59 per cent success rate from ground duels and won 64 per cent of his duels in the air, which is close to the Gers’ latest target.
Nasser Djiga averaged 1.3 tackles, 4.2 ball recoveries and 4.4 clearances per game, and he won 70 per cent of ground duels and 59 per cent of aerial battles.
| Rangers defensive options compared | Widell | Souttar | Djiga | Fernandes |
| Tackles per game | 1 | 1 | 1.3 | 1.6 |
| Ball recoveries per game | 2.9 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Clearances per game | 7.3 | 6.2 | 4.4 | 6.6 |
| Ground duels won | 53% | 59% | 70% | 62% |
| Aerial duels won | 65% | 64% | 59% | 71% |
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Fernandes averaged 1.6 tackles, 4.4 ball recoveries and 6.6 clearances per game, which is again very similar to the Excelsior man.
The Nigerian won 62 per cent of his duels on the ground and 71 per cent in the air, a better rate than the young defender.
With Djiga’s loan finishing in the summer, Widell would be a smart addition, he will force Souttar and Fernandes to be on top form and at such a young age, there is plenty of room for him to become a top player.
Those factors combined should help to turn Rohl’s defensive unit into one of the best in the league.
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