In football, it’s kind of a disappearing art. a midfielder who desires to outpace his striker and sprint ahead to win the ball.
These days, not many of them are around. Wee Colin Cameron was the best for Wolves when I played. The master was him. From the illustrious Ian Durrant to the just departing Scotty Arfield, Rangers have always had them as well. However, I really believe that Philippe Clement wants it on his team right now. And he’s got the ideal fit in Tom Lawrence, who is back from injury just in time. I’ve sat down and watched every Rangers game since Clement took over again over the past several days. I’m examining everything and trying to see exactly what the Belgian has changed since replacing Michael Beale.
I do it not just because of my work as a TV pundit but also because I’m a coach myself. I’m interested in any manager’s tactics but particularly at Ibrox. And Clement definitely wants movement off the ball. You see that clearly when you go back over the footage.
Against Livingston in their last Premiership game – when Lawrence got his first start under the new gaffer – he made three runs beyond Danilo up front in the first 10 minutes. That willingness and desire to get involved and score goals will be key to what Clement wants to achieve at Ibrox this season. I’ve always liked Lawrence as a player but we just haven’t seen the best of him yet at Rangers due to injuries. That might be about to change.
In his first few months last season he either played off the side or as a No.10. What he’s got is a hunger to be IN the game. It’s hard to explain. But watch him. Lawrence is constantly moving and available. He always presents himself as an option for his team-mates.
There aren’t many players in the Rangers squad who want to go beyond a striker but he does. Before he got injured last season he was only 10 games into his Ibrox career and had four goals.
With all due respect to Ryan Kent, that’s more than he was getting over the course of a season. Tom works his socks off for the team and can assist with goals as well.
He’s a really well-rounded player who can play in any of those positions behind the striker. It looks like Clement will go with this 4-2-3-1 system and that set-up is ideal for Lawrence.
When I’ve watched these games back, Danilo’s movement has been excellent. That creates space for someone like Lawrence to exploit.
Even when Rangers don’t have the ball, he’s alive and looking to run into space. It’s the hardest thing for defenders or midfielders to track.
