With Rangers caught up in Europa League fever ahead of next week’s final in Seville, it is easy to take your eye off domestic affairs.
Inconsistency has dogged Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the Scottish Premiership since the turn of the year, but recent weeks have shown promise that the Dutchman boasts just enough dogmatism to construct a game model capable of breaking down the most stringent defences.
Upon his arrival at Ibrox, van Bronckhorst pledged to re-introduce the role of wingers. In doing so, Rangers initially became a more dynamic, unpredictable side in attack.
However, the squad lacked consistent quality to complement Ryan Kent on the right-hand side, with Scott Wright, Fashion Sakala Jr. and Amad Diallo all flattering to deceive to various degrees.
By liberating James Tavernier on the right once again, van Bronckhorst has sought to compensate for the lack of output from the right-hand side, reducing the creative burden on the most advanced right-sided attacker.
The remit of the winger on the right has therefore been simplified, instead being used as a proxy to aid the speed and fluidity of Rangers’ vertical passing.
As Aaron Ramsey has the ball in midfield in the example below, he is ushered backwards by pressure from Dundee United.
As the Welshman lays the ball off to Connor Goldson, Scott Wright begins his movement off the front line.
In doing so, he opens up the space for Ramsey to attack from midfield.
Goldson elects not to release the pass, but the opening had been created for Rangers to go from back-to-front.
Rangers’ pass map from the 2-0 victory over Dundee United highlights the proxy role of Wright in possession, operating as if he’s awkwardly stepping on Tavernier’s toes.
However, the role of the player on the right to make intelligent movements in the half spaces is crucial in allowing Rangers to play vertically over opposition defences.
Wright is also very proficient in receiving on the half turn - which he displayed to good effect in the lead-up to Sakala’s equaliser at Celtic Park earlier this season – forcing opposition defenders to make a decision as to whether to step out of the backline to prevent him turning or drop deeper to cover the space.
READ MORE: Should Rangers attempt Amad Diallo loan extension to experience untapped potential?
The fluidity of the Rangers midfield – specifically the role of the two No.8s - also dictates the speed in which they can move the ball out from defence.
The structure of the midfield in the win over Dundee United is evidenced below, with James Sands operating at the base.
Tavernier is being pressured from inside to cut-off the pass into midfield, with Wright providing a passing option down the line.
Davis’ run takes a Dundee United player away, opening space for Wright to dribble into.
Wright can then find Ramsey behind Dundee United’s midfield line, quickly moving the ball onto Davis who has continued his run from midfield.
The positional interchanging between the Northern Ireland international and Ramsey caused Dundee United various problems.
The Welshman's desire to break beyond Dundee United’s defensive line created further space in which Davis could operate in. Crucially, both boast the ability to receive passes at speed and difficult angles.
Fast forward a few seconds on the aforementioned Wright example and Rangers are able to release Ramsey into space in a dangerous area.
Wright sets the ball infield to Davis after receiving a direct pass from Goldson.
In doing so, he drags a Dundee United defender forward, creating space for Ramsey in-behind.
Davis then moves the ball through to the Welshman with a first-time pass. Three touches of the ball since Goldson released his pass and Rangers have sprung an attacker in behind the opposition’s backline.
Dundee United offered an interesting conundrum by deploying a five-man backline at Ibrox, with van Bronckhorst countering by using Davis in an advanced role which the Rangers faithful have rarely been treated to since the Northern Irishman returned in January 2019.
READ MORE: Celtic's title win will be easily eclipsed by a Rangers Europa League win - Garry Carmody
With Arfield being used in a false nine role, it allowed Rangers to continually position five attackers across the Tangerines’ backline.
Sakala is out of frame at the far post as Goldson strides forward with the ball while Tavernier draws Dundee United’s wing-back out towards him.
Arfield makes a dart into the penalty box into the space in United’s defence…
…However, Goldson fails to spot the pass. Again, however, it highlights how Rangers can create situations to exploit teams with as few passing combinations as possible.
By freeing the full-backs once again, van Bronckhorst has introduced greater potency to his vertical approach.
The 4-0 win over St. Mirren last month marked one of the first times the Dutchman has unshackled his full-backs since arriving at the club. Within two minutes, it produced a goal which underlined the benefits of a back-to-front approach.
Goldson launches a searching pass in the direction of Tavernier, who has advanced up the flank with Sakala pinning St. Mirren's left full-back inside.
Tavernier's chest control is immaculate, allowing him to take the ball down...
...And deliver a first-time cross which Rangers score from after Kent puts the ball back in.
For as much Rangers have benefitted from the mid-season managerial change in Europe, they have certainly paid the price in the Scottish Premiership.
Van Bronckhorst has gradually adapted to the needs of the side, but the transition has been too slow to arrest a 12 point swing to Celtic.
However, the last few weeks certainly offer encouragement heading into next season's domestic campaign.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here