Irreputable proof that Rangers made the right decision on Lawrence Shankland and Tawanda Maswanhise
Rangers made the right decision to sign Lawrence Shankland over Tawanda Maswanhise this summer.
Danny Rohl's side were desperate for attacking reinforcement, and they have poached the 30-year-old from Hearts.
The Gers were linked with Maswanhise in the winter transfer window, but chose not to renew their interest.
They signed Shankland instead, and it looks as though the Zimbabwean star is in talks to move to Anderlecht in Belgium, per a report from Sacha Tavolieri.
Rangers should be content with their call to prioritise the Scottish forward, as the numbers are in their favour.
How do Shankland and Maswanhise compare?
Shankland was on Rangers' radar for years before his move to Ibrox was officially confirmed this week.
They could, however, have chosen Maswanhise instead as an alternative, but the numbers do not reflect well when it comes to comparisons with the new Light Blues man.
Shankland scored one less Scottish Premiership goal, notching 16, while the Fir Park star hit a total of 17, per Sofascore, but that does not tell the full story.
The Steelmen ace played six more matches, and as a result, the new Gers man has a better goals per game ratio, edging the African attacker 0.6 to 0.5.
| Rangers target comparison | Shankland | Maswanhise |
| Matches | 29 | 35 |
| Goals | 16 | 17 |
| Goals per game | 0.6 | 0.5 |
| Big chances missed | 11 | 17 |
| Aerial duels won per game | 1.6 | 0.4 |
The Scotland international also missed fewer big chances, with 11 to Maswanhise's 17, and also nabbed more assists, three to two.
Shankland's aerial prowess will also serve him well with Rohl's side, as he won 1.6 aerial duels per game, compared to just 0.4 for the 23-year-old.
Why else did Rangers choose Shankland?
Based on the data, it appears that Shankland was the right man, but there is a more important element than that.
The Light Blues needed leaders and players who know what it means to play for a club with as much at stake as they have.
The veteran is that man, as he is a boyhood Gers fan, and he has captained the Jambos since 2022, so he will raise the levels in Govan, having previously notched 88 strikes for the Tynecastle outfit.
Maswanhise would not have the same impact, especially off the pitch, so it made perfect sense for the G51 side to target the older man.
It is unlikely that Rohl's side will regret their decision any time soon, as Shankland will surely kick on and push them to where they need to be.