Philippe Clement could land his version of Premier League destroyer with Rangers midfielder swoop
Rangers are looking for a midfielder, and with Nicolas Raskin hurting the same ankle that kept him sidelined last season, the need is greater than ever. Spanish playmaker Joan Jordan has been pursued in a loan transfer, with Sevilla maybe willing to consider a 50% contribution to his wages; combined with the interest in Cheikh Niasse, Philippe Clement may be busy. The manager has pleaded poverty, but there are times when the board must back their man and replace the players who have departed the midfield position.
Cheikh Niasse could be new Rangers midfield enforcer
The two players named are both, technically, defensive midfielders.
They do though, play the position entirely differently.
If Jordan is Toni Kroos, Niasse is more like Nottingham Forest and former PSV Eindhoven destroyer Ibrahim Sangare.
A sentiment backed up by Data MB’s statistical comparison.
Rangers need to replace the outgoing midfield duo. Why can’t the Rangers just sign them both? In Michael Beale’s categorization of midfield types, Ryan Jack is a destroyer and John Lundstram is a spider, therefore Jordan and Niasse aren’t just replacements, but enhancements. Niasse is 6ft 2 and full of running, physicality, and aggression, just like Jack, but he is in good health and only 24 years old. Jordan may be in his 30s – just – but he was in charge of a midfield that won two Europa League titles; Lundstram at his best would not be able to compete with the Spaniard.
The player knows what he’s strong at and, in an interview with Foot Mercato, revealed where he has to improve: “In terms of my strengths, I would say my physical capacity to defend is excellent; I run a lot, recover a lot of balls, tackle a lot, and am good at anticipating. “What I still struggle with is being impactful, moving forward, making decisive passes, and so on. “These are really the points I am working on at the moment.”
Someone like Niasse is equally as important in domestic football.
His skillset allows for Clement to play with just one defensive midfielder and then have two more attack minded players to dictate tempo.
A proper defensive midfielder covers the pitch better and can put out firesf rom full-backs attacking high and being caught out.
On too many occasions last season, Rangers lost goals on counter-attacks because the midfield was too high up the park, too square and too slow.
Niasse on his own would be a quality addition, adding Jordan would see one of the best midfields at Ibrox for some time.
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