How James Sands gave Rangers ‘in-possession platform’ with versatility, duel domination and depth

A 3-0 win against Dundee should have featured more goals, with an xG (expected goals) total of 4.25 to 0.83 in the visitor's favour.

Integral to the fluid attacking display was a midfield double-pivot of James Sands and Ryan Jack. Sometimes, two defensive midfielders can be seen as overly cautious when Rangers play domestically. However, the victory at Dens demonstrated that, when matched with tempo and tenacity, the shape can provide a platform for control in and out of possession.

Sands in particular stood out in just his fourth start since a January arrival from New York City. He won 11 of 14 duels, made seven recoveries, found the target with 91% of his passes and amassed 14 recoveries.

“I think you can see today what he brings to the team,” Giovanni van Bronckhorst told RangersTV after the match.

“He was excellent and won a lot of duels, second balls and his passing spread the play.”

Sands himself cited the importance of dominating physically in the centre of the pitch.

“In Scottish football, you have so many different types of game,” he said.

“Different things are required. I knew today would be very physical with a lot of 50/50s and challenges, so I focused on that and I think it helped.”

Sands has played for the USA predominantly as a centre-back and the superiority in duels showed his defensive strength. He filled the necessary gaps when possession turned over and got the better of opponents when isolated.

When Sands first arrived in Scotland, the Rangers Review explained how his tactical flexibility and appreciation of space would suit van Bronckhorst’s defensive midfield role. It’s no secret the Dutchman likes to make regular tactical alterations and Sands’ flexibility when moving the ball into midfield ensures the Ibrox side are difficult to press.

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At times, starting with only one defensive midfielder allows an opposition duel strike force to stop Rangers from playing into midfield.

The choice to field both Ryan Jack and Sands deep offered a platform to play beyond the first line of pressure.

Along with the addition of Jon McLaughlin, far better with his feet than Allan McGregor, Sands’ allowed the visitors to comfortably play out of defence with a free man normally available.

If the visitors didn’t break beyond Dundee pressure quickly, the four players stretched across the pitch, and intelligent rotations higher up, offered forward avenues. The pass network below features thick lines between the two deep midfielders and full-backs as possession was recycled to open up space.

Instead of passes into midfield proving a struggle, the presence of two midfielders allowed attacks to start near the centre.

Here after play has been circulated, Rangers are closer to the opposition goal and the Dundee midfield is stretched with gaps to play thorugh.

Sands also gave ‘depth’ to wide triangles. Meaning, the American constantly positioned himself to switch play and stretch Dundee if an attack down either wing broke down.

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In this example, space is open on the left as Dundee rush to close down the right. Sands is positioned to move play quickly across the pitch.

Later on, he carries out the same job on the left flank.

When asked about his start to life in Scottish football by the Rangers Review earlier this year, Sands offered a candid response.

“I’m sure it will take me time, it always takes time when you’re in a new team and a new environment,” he said.

“Each game I'm going to get better and adapt a little better to the league.”

If the versatile American can perform consistently at the level demonstrated yesterday, his simple and effective role can provide Rangers with solid foundations in and out of possession.