Legs, legs and more legs

[yuddie 1,307]

One thing that has been damning of Rangers over the last few seasons is how slow and old the team was getting, with some lineups last season almost reaching an average age of 30.

 

The squad age has come down from 25.71 last season to 24.93 this (Transfermarkt) - and will probably come down further when/if Tav and Goldson leave. (Just to add to that, the reason we were pushing 30 with some XI's last season but the avg age was 25 is because the bulk of our first teamers were getting on, and the academy lads were there to fill benches and squad spots).

 

The press we put on can look disjointed and confusing at times, although I thought it was spot on for the first 5 v Utd, which won't be helped with Dessers and Lawrence in the team who can't shift their weight at any decent pace, and they lead the press.

 

Football is becoming more and more athletic, seemingly at the cost of technical ability. We lack both qualities granted, but you have to be able to cover the ground well in today's game and even if you lack technical ability you can dominate if you're physically strong (MO'N anyone?).

 

It's one thing seeing our lads be technically lacking, but when they're chasing shadows against Ross County that's another thing entirely.

 

Do you think physical prowess is key to us getting back to being a serious outfit? And how important do you reckon it is to Clements gameplan coming together? It's an easier fix than trying to turn water into wine in converting Goldson into a BPD.

 

Worth mentioning that whilst Postecoglou is venerated in Scotland for his style of play, it took 10's of millions to make it a reality. We can't afford to spend 50m over 4 windows but Clement needs backed, it's a lesson that should be learnt from that time.

 

Get a mobile 9 and 10 with a senior LCB who's also atheltic and all of a sudden you've got a spine which has energy and presence.

 

Can't be that hard, surely?

 

Let us know what you think!

 

Cheers.

[Frankie 8,276]

You're right in terms of needing athleticism for the modern game and especially if we want to press high.

 

But, as with any aspect of the game, if we don't have the players to do that (and Dessers/Lawrence are not those players) then it's up to the manager to find a different tactic.

 

FWIW, a fit Danilo should help and I'd be surprised if we don't have at least one more attacking central midfielder to replace Lawrence/Cantwell over the next fortnight.