Rangers must replace 'Steven Davis role' in January transfer window

The veteran midfielder has served the club admirably over two spells and is the model professional, best demonstrated by his record-breaking number of caps for Northern Ireland. No player deserves to suffer such a serious injury in the twilight of their career, but especially not Davis.

Michael Beale shared that emotional response in a press conference, admitting his “devastation” at the news Davis would miss the remainder of this season.

His reaction was also provoked by what Rangers will lose on the pitch. Most presumed Davis’ second Ibrox spell, much like Allan McGregor, was winding to a natural end last season but instead, a one-year extension followed. In this league campaign, he’s only started three times (against Kilmarnock, Celtic and Livingston) and been left on the bench more than he’s been brought on.

That was set to change under Beale, however, and that’s why his absence is a legitimate blow despite previously decreasing game-time.

After Malik Tillman weaved his way beyond the Hibs defence to set up Alfredo Morelos’ winner in Beale’s first match the manager immediately brought Davis on from the bench. In a bid to pack the midfield, slow the game down and remove its sting.

“He was going to be a key player between now and the end of the season so I'm gutted we've lost him,” Beale said.

“He gives us something different. He's very assured and calm. I don't think we can replace Steven Davis and what he gives us. We will replace it in different ways but we won't replace it the same.

“Having seen him in the two games since I returned I think he had at least 18 months left at this level, certainly now with five subs. You don't need players to play 90 minutes anymore.”

The midfielder’s role against Hibs was simple but important. He kept the ball (completing every one of 25 passes), screened the back four and slowed the game down.

A comparison of Rangers’ pass networks from the first and second half shows Davis filling the role of No.6.

We often hear the term ‘impact sub’ but the role Davis was presumably primed to fulfil under Beale is better branded ‘impact-prevention sub’. If fit for last Monday's Old Firm you can be sure his number would’ve been the first to flash up on the fourth official’s board, in a bid to see out the win.

READ MORE: Why Michael Beale didn't get Rangers substitutes wrong against Celtic

Rangers lacked a player who possesses the ‘calm assurance’ Beale alludes to when ahead against Celtic and although the visitor's equaliser was more owing to structure than personnel, you can’t help but feel Davis' introduction would’ve made a tangible difference.

It’s an important function in any squad, especially now five substitutions are permitted, and prompted the citing of a quickly-forgotten previous squad member during a different press conference. 

"In the season where we won the league, I think Bongani Zungu played more than twenty times but nobody noticed him play five, but it was important he came on in certain games,” Beale said of the on-loan South African midfielder.

Only one of Zungu's 14 appearances in the league came from the start. It’s no coincidence that the majority of his late appearances during the 2020/21 campaign arrived in the busy festive period.

Davis excelled under Steven Gerrard and Beale previously because of what he offers when helping break a defence down, but an often overlooked quality witnessed in 2020/21 was his ability to orchestrate and control exchanges off the ball.

As Ally Bain expertly outlined in a recent long-read, Beale’s system requires different qualities at the base of midfield compared to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s approach.

Rangers need a starter in that area that only the transfer market can provide. Few would disagree with the notion that this current midfield contingent has lacked investment in recent years and while Davis’ injury limits the depth available to Beale, a long-term option was required in that role regardless.

His absence does leave another hole in the manager's blueprint. Davis was set to be a “key player” for a reason and although minutes have decreased, helping to close games up as well as breaking defences down.