Glasgow Rangers have uncovered a hidden gem in centre-back Connor Goldson, if recent reports are to be believed…
What’s the word?
Rangers extended their unbeaten run to a with a 1-0 win over Lech Poznan in the Europa League in midweek. That means that heading into their clash against Kilmarnock, the Gers had recorded five clean sheets in a row, as they last conceded a goal against Galatasaray in the Europa League qualifying rounds.
As the old adage goes, a strong defence is the best offence, and Gerrard is blessed with some of the best options available at the back, as Connor Goldson and club captain James Tavernier have both been in fine form in recent weeks.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference, as quoted by Sports Mole, the Rangers boss said: “I think Connor is someone, with the heart issue he had earlier in his career, that is desperate to make up for lost time in terms of playing. He doesn’t like to be offloaded or rested.
“But I am certainly more confident that if I wanted to do that now that we have the players that could cope.
“I am really happy with Connor, he is in a fantastic place physically and mentally at the moment.
“He is becoming a leader, his communication is better. I don’t see any reason, right now, to drop him or rest him or offload him because he is in such a good place.”
Bargain buy?
Tavernier has scored five goals and supplied five assists in 12 games in the Scottish Premiership this season so far. It’s easy to see why he has been linked with a move to the Premier League, as he has attracted attention from several English sides in the past year or so. West Ham were also keen to sign him in the summer.
Rangers signed Goldson from Brighton on a four-year deal for a fee in the region of £3m, via Sky Sports. He admitted Gerrard played a big part in his decision to switch the South Coast for Scotland. Since then, it’s fair to say that the 27-year-old has turned out to be an an absolute bargain buy.
Per SofaScore, the marauding centre-back has bagged two goals in the Scottish top flight this season, whilst he has made 1.1 tackles, 1 interception and 2.9 clearances per game, as well as keeping 10 clean sheets. Most importantly, he has not made a single error that has led to a goal, and a look at his heatmap reveals he mostly takes up position in his own half, although there a hotspot in the opposite box, which just goes to show that he is a useful attacking threat as well.
Goldson was recently described as an “outstanding” player by Tavernier, who never doubted his teammate would convince the critics after a difficult start to life at Ibrox. By all accounts, he seems to have turned a corner in his career, so, he is surely the perfect candidate to take the mantle from Tavernier if he leaves the club in the near future.
Whilst Gerrard has insisted the skipper is not for sale, it’s surely only a matter of time before the Gers receive an offer for their captain that is simply too good to ignore.
The Light Blues arguably have talent in abundance, but having a reliable centre-back is such a useful asset for any side. As the stats show, Goldson is both comfortable in attack and at the back, so we have to admit, we would love to see him wear the captain’s armband some time soon.
AND in other news, Bassey and Morelos start, no Kemar Roofe: Predicted Rangers XI vs Kilmarnock…