As January arrivals go, Todd Cantwell’s adapted quicker than most.

Yesterday’s 4-2 win at Motherwell was another game in which the 25-year-old issued a fair case for man of the match.

So far, his hard work and application has stood out, alongside all the obvious quality Cantwell brings in possession. And in the last couple of weeks, he’s started to add final third numbers to his deeper role in midfield, including a first goal for the club in Lanarkshire. 

“He’s playing a bit deeper and working ever so hard for the team. He regains the ball and is involved in all aspects,” Beale commented post-match.

“One key area is to create goals and score. He got an assist last week for Scott Arfield and scores his first today. I’m delighted with him and for him.”

As shown in the below pass and carry map, Cantwell predominantly got the ball on the right, working in close conjunction with James Tavernier.

Even during a disjointed overall team performance before the break, Cantwell made others around him better, always appearing to possess extra time on the ball.

However, to play in the Rangers midfield domestically as the attacking outlet, that needs to be matched with a threat in the penalty box. Cantwell's strike just after the hour tied together his role in "all aspects" to use Beale's language. 

Having originally got on the ball deep in his own half in this frame, Cantwell moves it left to Ben Davies and starts his ascent up the park.

As Davies moves forward with Cantwell, Ryan Kent drops to receive.

Davies provokes pressure from the opposition before releasing Ryan Kent, making an intelligent zig-zagging run to receive.

READ MORE: How Michael Beale will fit Todd Cantwell and Malik Tillman in the same team

Notice, Kent’s marker is flat-footed, not primed for a race in the middle while Dean Cornelius, wearing No.18 and with his arm outstretched, is trying to alert the defence to Cantwell’s run.

Davies releases Kent who makes up ground in the centre and slips in Fashion Sakala.

Notice, nobody is tracking Cantwell despite Cornelius' motion. The midfielder's run from deep has gone completely unnoticed. 

Rangers have four players attacking the box as Sakala cuts it back, all of whom have an effort at goal before Cantwell eventually finishes. 

 

“Tav’s been hammering me about playing higher up and making sure I’m not just on the ball making passes from behind, but that I’m on the end of them,” Cantwell told Sky Sports after the game.

His strike epitomised the captain’s instruction. Cantwell started the move, made his run untracked from deep and then finished for his first goal in nearly two years. 

His form suggests the wait for his next won't be quite so long.