8/10 Rangers star made fewer passes than Butland but is now unstoppable.
Prior to the third Old Firm match in April, Glasgow Rangers had only conceded three goals in the Premiership this season. However, since then, the Light Blues have conceded three goals against Celtic, Ross County, and now Hearts in the final game of the season, as a once-resolute defence has crumbled. Despite falling behind the Jambos, Philippe Clement’s side eventually scored three goals without reply, appearing to have secured all three points.
The Tynecastle side scored two goals in the closing 10 minutes, ruining the day, and Clement now has a week to prepare for the Scottish Cup final. Despite the tie, several players, particularly Ross McCausland, boosted their prospects of starting at Hampden.
Ross McCausland’s game in numbers vs Hearts
The Northern Irishman was unleashed from the first whistle against the Jambos in a bid to break down their defence and cause chaos down the right flank.
Not only did the youngster get on the scoresheet for the second match in succession, but he also made two key passes, created a big chance while succeeding with 100% of his dribble attempts in what was a mature performance.
He did manage to complete only 20 of his 27 attempted passes, however – three fewer than Jack Butland in goal – which is something that he will need to improve on, especially if he is chosen to start the cup final next week.
McCausland was even given match rating of 8/10 by Football Insider for his display at Tynecastle and there is no doubt that he should be starting against Celtic at Hampden.
Ross McCausland’s statistics this season: McCausland’s 2023/24 season was one to remember, especially on a personal one, as he established himself as a first-team regular at Ibrox. Indeed, at the time of writing, the winger has played 37 games for the Light Blues in all competitions, scoring four goals and contributing five assists, a respectable total for a rookie season of senior football.
There are things to work on, of course, but he will have an entire summer under Clement to prepare for the demands of next season, which may give him confidence to develop even more. Along with his goal contributions, the 21-year-old has generated three huge opportunities, averaged 1.3 critical passes per game, and completed 0.9 dribbles per game, all of which are impressive stats for his first full season with the Ibrox first team.
McCausland started both the League Cup final and Scottish Cup semi-final, which took place at Hampden. Thus, he shouldn’t be fazed by performing on the biggest stage, having had a couple of experiences already this season.
After today’s display, the machine has certainly made himself undroppable for next week and Clement will need a performance of similar devastation in the final third if they are to win their second Scottish Cup in three years.
McCausland began the League Cup final and Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden. since a result, he should not be intimidated by performing on the largest platform, since he has already had a few experiences this season. After today’s performance, the machine has undoubtedly made himself unstoppable for next week, and Clement will require a similar devastation in the final third if they are to win their second Scottish Cup in three years.
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