Rangers recorded a solid one nil victory over Kilmarnock on Saturday to take the club one step closer to title glory. It was a performance which deserved more goals but the team were unusually wasteful making the scoreline closer than it was. Kilmarnock became another team who has came to Ibrox and been shut out without an attempt on goal.
If we win our next four league matches then we will be champions of Scotland. It’s a mouthwatering possibility which every single one of us has dreamed about for the best part of a decade.
Make no mistake Rangers is an institution which deserves to be champions of our country, we are the biggest and most successful club. Returning to champions status has only been a matter of time even if, at times, it’s looked most unlikely.
Rangers have been absolutely superb this season. Unbeaten in 29 league games, we have equalled a record set back in the 1992-93 treble winning season. Conceded just eight goals whilst keeping twenty two clean sheets. It has been phenomenal.
That’s before you look at the home record which is unbelievable. Played fourteen and won fourteen, conceding just once.
So what has been the catalyst for this form? Well the truth is the squad have performed fantastically well as a group. At times individual performances have carried them through and more often collectively they have been superb.
Every player has contributed and played their part in what has been a tremendous run for the club. But we have a solid spine now, four players who are in the running for player of the season.
It shouldn’t be looked at unfavourably towards the likes of Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield or Ryan Kent who boast stats that rival any of their teammates and at times have performed just as well.
Every player has contributed massively with the goals and assists being shared round the squad equally. Individual moments of brilliance have been evident throughout. From Kemar Roofe’s goal in Belgium to Ryan Jacks superb volley on Saturday. We have had team goals of the highest quality like the passing move which led to Ryan Jack’s goal against Ross County or the slick move at Easter Road which saw Alfredo slide the ball home for a crucial three points.
Defensively we have been solid. Whether it’s been Leon Balogun or Filip Helander partnering the crucial Connor Goldson, we have kept clean sheets and the opposition have been limited to half chances at best.
This side has shown a little bit of everything, we’ve won well, won ugly and been tactically astute throughout.
Arguably the team has matured and came to the fore perfectly.
It really has been a fantastic effort and not to mention an unbeaten European run which recommences in a few days against Antwerp.
For me the pillars of our success have been based around four vital players who have been statistically excellent and consistent throughout.
Connor Goldson has played every minute of every game this season.
The rock that the Rangers team is built around.
There has been plenty of criticism for Connor throughout his Rangers career but his strength in character has grown and the resilience he has shown to perform this well is testament to the player.
This is a man who has shown every bit of mental strength throughout his career so it should come as no surprise. Eight goals this season has been a bonus but something he has threatened in his time at Rangers.
The crowning moment being his two goals at Parkhead in October which has put Rangers on course for where they are today.
When Player of the year awards are handed out Connor will be very high in the conversation and no one can argue.
Commands his defensive line, he is vocal and organising to those around him. If he signs a new contract then he could create a legacy as good as any centre back in the last twenty five years at the club.
The captain James Tavernier.
Another player who has suffered from criticism and had his desire questioned. Has responded absolutely fantastically this season to show he is rightly captain of our club.
At the heart of everything going forward and a genuine threat with his running power. Like Goldson, he has again upped his game to a level some maybe thought he wasn’t capable of.
Genuine moments of quality like at Dundee United where his thirty yard free kick whistled high into the net.
When you talk about mentality and strength of character then Tav has it all. As one of the Warburton and Caixinha group he has experienced some extraordinary lows.
Arguably nobody will deserve the title more in coming weeks. Another who could cement a real legacy at the club should he sign a new contract and stay on.
Seventeen goals and fifteen assists is huge numbers but doesn’t tell the real story which is one of leadership, strength and desire. He has been brilliant.
Allan McGregor
What more can we say about Greegsy?
Well quite a lot actually. Leads by example, someone we can relate to as a supporter with his passion and a born winner.
At time this season his saves have been absolutely breathtaking. A vital part in why we are where we are and the biggest compliment I can pay him is he has produced moments that put him in the same legendary bracket as Andy Goram.
Eighteen clean sheets including fourteen in the league. Vital saves on the road against Ross County , St Johnstone and Aberdeen, not to mention a virtuoso performance at Hamilton just last week. Vital saves at home to St Johnstone, Hibs and arguably some of the best saves at home to Celtic are just some of his contributions this season.
He has been absolutely exceptional and he sets the standard. Not to mention the moments we love, that cramp at home to Motherwell will live long in our memories as well as the passion on camera after Hamilton last week.
He speaks like us, he acts like us, he is one of us.
Has created a legacy which will have fans discussing whether he is the best goalkeeper the club has ever seen.
He deserves it and he deserves the adulation that should come his way.
Steven Davis has been a constant performer throughout the season. Kevin Thomson called him a ‘Rolls Royce’ of a footballer and he’s absolutely right.
Has a calmness and leadership which brings everything to the team that we need in the middle of the park.
Another one who sets the standards and also another one who has faced criticism but recovered spectacularly.
Tremendous on the ball, plays with his head up and always plays a sensible pass that can be at any range, short or long. Has a tremendous habit of knowing where to be and the amount of possession he breaks up then recycles is exceptional.
Players are better and Rangers are better when he plays. Another player who could extend his legacy as a future hall of fame entrant if he decides to play on for another season.
The best midfielder at the club and the best midfielder in the country.
Steven Davis is the midfielder the team is built around.
What is clear is we have been very fortunate to have every player in the squad because everyone has performed extremely well. At times Glen Kamara has been exceptional. At times Ianis Hagi or Filip Helander have been tremendous, this shouldn’t be seen as a slight on anyone not mentioned.
But what Rangers have is a football identity which is led by the team and has spine complimented by the players mentioned.
When the times right and we are all hopefully celebrating it will be down to a fabulous effort from everyone in the squad and management team.
Good luck to the team in Europe and the league this week as we dare to take a step closer to where we belong.
This is our time
Finally, Rangers launched their new app last week and quickly became one of the most downloaded sport apps. In that app you can play the new Rangers game ‘Rangers Picks’ before every match FREE of charge.
It basically allows you to have a guess and predict moments from the up coming match to hopefully then win points from those predictions. You then compete against other supporters and you could win some cash doing so.
How many shots will Ryan Jack have or how many goals will Rangers score are just some of the random questions to mull over. It’s a lot of fun!
The best part is the more you play and everyone plays, the more money the club earns! Play for free and earn Rangers money!
You can download the App from here –
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rangers-football-club/id1541914540
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yinzcam.sfa.ran&gl=GB
Full T and Cs apply, you must be over 18 to play. Please be gamble aware and play responsibly.
Paid promotion in partnership with Rangers Picks
Four Lads Had A Dream 