Two-horse race for Gers POTY contenders, one man has the edge

13/04/2024 15:00

Just before Michael Beale got sacked, you could have a look around the Rangers team and wonder where goals were going to be scored and created and who was going to hold the defence together.

Now, with Philippe Clement as Gers boss, goals come from all over the squad and, despite the odd lapse, we now have the most consistent defence in the league. 

Since taking over at Ibrox at the end of October, the Belgian has improved several players, so much so that Rangers player of the year shortlist contains a couple of surprise additions. 

Rangers announce Player of the Year candidates

Going back to Beale, there were two players who were almost carrying the team single handedly at opposite ends of the park.

For many, Jack Butland has been the consistent standout throughout the season, rarely putting a foot wrong and making big saves when it mattered most. 

A trait shared by his number one predecessor, Allan McGregor.

At the other end of the park, Danilo wasn't getting picked for some reason and Cyriel Dessers struggled for form. 

Sam Lammers got chance, after chance, and failed to show anything like his current form at Utrecht and Beale never really seemed to know what his best combination of forwards was. 

One thing that was obvious, regardless of where he played, was that Abdallah Sima was a talent. 

Despite missing half the season, the Senegal international makes the list and, with 16 goals in 33 games, it's easy to see why.

Few would bet against him hitting 20 even though he is just back to fitness.

The surprise name on the list is John Souttar. 

The Scotland international spent much of the first half of the season being rotated but, under Philippe Clement, he has nailed his place alongside Connor Goldson.

That there are calls for Goldson to be dropped and Souttar move over to his stronger side says it all about his current form.

He's not been perfect but he's been our best defender.

One of the players who has improved the most has been John Lundstram.

He's barely missed a minute of football and has been a constant at the heart of Philippe Clement's midfield.

Lundstram deserves a new contract, I'm just not sure being the only player capable of playing a certain role deserves this sort of accolade. 

Can James Tavernier finish the season on a high?

As with Butland, the only other standout throughout the whole season is the captain.

James Tavernier should be slowing down, not getting better. 

With 23 goals and 10 assists, the 32-year old has posted numbers that all of our forwards would be jealous of.

Even without the penalties, Tavernier has still produced better than Ryan Kent's last two seasons.

With the league cup in the bag thanks to his winner and some of the goals he has scored to get us back into the race for the Scottish Premiership, he's going to be tough to beat in the club's fan vote. 

Hopefully, whoever the winner is, gets to lift plenty more silverware this season.