Ryan Alebiosu in a Rangers shirt
Ryan AlebiosuManh Tung, Breaking Media

The Ryan Alebiosu statistic that highlights a major Rangers upgrade in defence

Declan Carr

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at Sports Mole and VAVEL; Masters graduate from Liverpool John Moores University. FOCUS Breaking news, long-form analysis, and club-level insight across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Declan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the depth behind the headlines — from breaking news to analytical deep-dives — to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Ryan Alebiosu is on Rangers' radar this summer.

The Blackburn right-back is a contender to replace James Tavernier, who left at the end of his deal in July.

Dujon Sterling is the current incumbent, after the 34-year-old departed, but they need quality in that area.

He was ill, and missed out, meaning that scouts in attendance could not monitor him.

However, if they have been watching him last season, they would have seen an attribute that could make him a difference maker in Govan.

What is the one key asset that Ryan Alebiosu would bring to Rangers

Alebiosu would be a major upgrade for the Gers in the right-back position for one particular reason.

His blistering speed would be an asset that the Light Blues simply can't ignore.

Per Sofascore data, the Rovers man clocked a top speed of 22.12mph last season.

In comparison, Tavernier managed 21.99mph, in his final season with the Bears.

Sterling, who is still with the G51 side, recorded a top speed of 21.56mph, much slower than the 24-year-old.

Ryan Alebiosu in a Rangers shirt
Dujon Sterling isn't James Tavernier successor as Scottish Premiership evidence proves

How does Alebiosu compare to Rangers' previous options

The Championship is regarded as a similar level to the Scottish Premiership, so a comparison can be made between the three players.

Alebiosu averaged 1.7 tackles, 3.2 ball recoveries and 2.2 clearances per game in English football's second tier, which looks like solid numbers on the face of it.

Tavernier averaged 1.7 tackles, 3.5 ball recoveries and 2.6 clearances per 90 minutes as his side finished third in the league.

Sterling managed 0.9 tackles, 2.5 ball recoveries and 3.6 clearances per game last season.

So, while his pace would give the Gers an advantage on the pitch, he needs to improve his defensive numbers, if he is to cement a place in the team.

If McInnes' side can agree a deal for the one-cap Nigeria international as soon as possible, then they will be able to work on what needs improving in pre-season.

Given his age, he can improve and reach a level that would see him start for the Glasgow outfit, but it could take time, which is something that the Govan side do not have.

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