The Rangers ideological imbalance that Ross Wilson must address

Scott Arfield, Steven Davis, Allan McGregor and Connor Goldson were all expected to leave the club this summer but have agreed new deals while John Souttar remains the only new signing at time of writing. The departure of Joe Aribo and purchase of Antonio Colak both appear imminent and either transaction should catalyse further transfer activity.

The Rangers Review reported earlier in the window that Giovanni van Bronckhorst was a key influence in retaining the services of Arfield, Davis and McGregor. The Dutchman is understood to value their experience and has clearly been sufficiently convinced that aged 34, 37 and 40 respectively, all three players can continue to contribute on the pitch in some capacity.

And while there was a general agreement that his squad were heading on an upward trajectory by the end of last season, after a jarring start to the year, one area of the team requires more intentional modification than the rest.

To succeed domestically, van Bronckhorst’s midfield options must reflect his style of football and not Steven Gerrard’s.

Having initially adopted an entirely different set-up after arriving at Ibrox late last year, van Bronckhorst has gradually adapted his style to accommodate some of Gerrard’s tactical ideas. For example, either full-back was far more involved offensively after the initial month of the Dutchman’s pure, traditional 4-3-3.

Even so, there remains a real difference between the two manager’s footballing philosophies.

Gerrard favoured slow build-up, an industrious midfield, creativity from full-back and compactness without the ball.

Van Bronchorst’s initially favoured domestic style was far more direct, often bypassing the midfield, features two attacking No.8s, cautious full-backs and a greater emphasis on man-orientation without the ball.

Given only Souttar has been signed permanently since January, it’s fair comment to say that while Rangers’ Sporting Director model allows for continuity between managers and differing styles, certain players in the squad were purchased to specifically fit Gerrard’s style and system.

Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi are metaphorical of the stylistic shift. Both were brought in to play as the right-sided No.10 under Gerrard, which allowed the former to act as a second No.9 in possession and facilitate Alfredo Morelos’ link-up and the latter to operate in the right-half space and break down defences.

Roofe, unable to usurp Morelos at No.9, was offered few minutes before the Colombian’s injury and until his own spell on the sidelines, Hagi was restricted to appearances from the right-wing, where he appeared isolated and his attributes ill-suited to demands.

Pre-season will afford van Bronckhorst time to mould his squad. It’s of course not an impossible task for players to adapt to a new tactical system with fresh demands and responsibilities.

But in an age of increasingly specialist positions, some of the manager’s requirements must be addressed in the market and not only on the training ground, especially in midfield.

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He may well stick with his two sitting central midfielders and one No.10 in some matches, however, it’s likely that two attacking No.8s are fielded for home games.

The options afforded to van Bronckhort are lopsided at present. 

John Lundstram, James Sands and Davis will all compete for the defensive midfield spot and while Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara could both be regarded as No.8s, the duo are included in the 'defensive' bracket. 

A line ahead, only Alex Lowry, Ianis Hagi and Arfield can be regarded as attacking midfield options, while Aribo, van Bronckhorst’s main man in that area last season, is expected to move south in the next few days with Southampton in advanced talks to secure his services.

The defence, as it stands, is well-stocked and suited to the new manager’s system. Souttar is classy on the ball and will thrive as a defender responsible for progressing play, Calvin Bassey is a cheat code when it comes to man marking and Goldson is going nowhere.

In attack, Antonio Colak will provide competition for Morelos and offer the physical focal point required that was absent when Rangers’ No.20 was unavailable last season. Clearly, a right-sided midfielder is also high on Ross Wilson's list of priorities. 

However, just as vital is the stylistic reprioritisation of the midfield collective.

Gerrard played a functional midfield and the current pool still reflects such attributes.

Van Bronckhorst’s football requires a greater goal contribution and creative outlay from men in the middle and his contingency must reflect this fact by the close of the window.

This piece is an extract from today’s Rangers Insider newsletter, which is emailed out at 5pm every weekday with a round-up of the day's top stories and exclusive analysis from the Rangers Review team.

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