Player Report Cards - Season 2007/08

[Frankie 8,150]

Going to try and break this lengthy article down into the next 5 posts lads... :box:

 

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=646&Itemid=1

 

Gersnet is quite unique in an online sense, in that we try to offer an ongoing analysis of every game via pre and post match debate ââ?¬â?? not just in terms of discussion but via our archive of results, appearances and man of the match awards. Using our archived man of the match awards and weekly player-by-player ratings, we can then look back on every playerââ?¬â?¢s contribution. In the following article, you can read our findings.

 

First off, using the man of the match awards (decided by all Gersnet users ââ?¬â?? main site and forum), we can immediately see who our best player was in season 2007/08. ââ?¬Ë?Kingââ?¬â?¢ Carlos Cuellar, I hear you cry! And youââ?¬â?¢d be right of course but interestingly it wasnââ?¬â?¢t as clear cut as one would think. Weââ?¬â?¢ve also had other players mentioned throughout the campaign as either important contributors worthy of transfer interest (eg Hutton, McGregor and Cousin) while some players also attracted criticism for their less than excellent input.

 

As such, we�ve decided to list the top five players in terms of man of the match awards received as well as go onto to take each player in the squad and rate their individual performance. Feel free to disagree!

 

 

Gersnet Player of the Year: Carlos Cuellar (11 MoM Awards);

 

Joint Second Place: Barry Ferguson / Kevin Thomson (6 MoM Awards);

 

Fourth Place: Allan McGregor (5 MoM Awards);

 

Fifth Place: Steven Davis (4 MoM Awards);

 

 

 

The choice of Cuellar is an obvious and well deserved one but it wasn�t actually until later in the season he really moved away from the other players above. Indeed, up until March, several players were in contention (including Darcheville and Cousin) while Davis made an immediate impression on his arrival. This shows until then the squad was doing its job.

 

After this point, few other players challenged Cuellar for any award which accurately describes the drastically falling player standards of that period. In a positive sense, as seen below, there was a fair spread of good performances so even some of the less supported ââ?¬Ë?squadââ?¬â?¢ players have shown they can contribute to the required level. What is needed is improved performance over the whole campaign but given the fixture congestion of season 2007/08, one feels there will be less pressure in that regard next season.

 

Onto individual ratings then where you can also find out what players did manage to win awards as well as their Gersnet rating for season 2007/08.

 

[Continued on Page 2]

[Frankie 8,150]

DEFENCE

 

Allan McGregor - 8

 

(5 MoM Awards)

 

Many fans, including myself, doubted McGregor’s ability to take the number 1 jersey and hold onto it this season. Although he had done pretty well the previous year, the odd mistake and his decision-making suggested he’d struggle to not only find the consistency required to get the backing of the fans but find the level of quality to match the Gorams, Klos’ and Woods’ of this world. Anyone for humble pie? The emergence of McGregor this season is the main positive point for many. Indeed, it wasn’t until after the lad was injured late in the campaign, we’d finally realise how important he is, not just in terms of vital saves but in organisation of the back 4. Haste ye back Allan!

 

 

 

Neil Alexander - 6

 

(0 MoM Awards)

 

An interesting signing in January as Roy Carroll moved back to the EPL, again large sections of the Rangers support were unsure of what Alexander could provide. Decent cover summed it up but when McGregor did get injured in April, Alexander was quickly called into action at the highest levels. Generally, he did very well and his saves in penalty shoot-outs will remain with him forever. If he could be considered as a long term replacement for Spurs-linked McGregor remains to be seen but we’ve had worse goalies at the club. Alexander could improve as well and he deserves a lot of respect for stepping into the breach.

 

 

 

Alan Hutton - 8

 

(1 MoM Award)

 

Hastily moved on by the club administration in the January transfer window, the transformation of a past hate figure for the boo-boys, Hutton showed in the first half of the season just how good a player he is. Solid at the back and superb going forward, it was no surprise when Spurs paid �£10million for the Scotland right back. His marauding wing displays were badly missed as we struggled to break down teams after he left.

 

 

 

Kirk Broadfoot - 5

 

(2 MoM Awards)

 

Speaking of hate figures we move onto Hutton’s replacement at right back. While primarily a central defender, Broadfoot has played almost all his Rangers games at full-back. It’s easy to pick on the former St Mirren player as a player not good enough for Rangers but given his versatility and eagerness, care must be taken in our criticism. Sure, there is plenty room for improvement but the 23 year old has the chance to do so. He may well not be good enough for a first XI slot but any critics need only look above to see how players can blossom given the right attitude and backing.

 

 

 

David Weir - 7

 

(0 MoM Awards)

 

The signing for Davie Weir was another player who the fans ‘greeted’ with a shrug of the shoulders. However, the veteran Scotland international’s influence since his arrival in January 2007 should not be under-estimated. Never overly glamorous, poor distribution (verging on awful at times) and a lack of pace means Weir will never be the kind of player that wins MoM awards. Nonetheless his experience, heading ability, reading of the game and positional sense ensures his contribution is an important one. Unlikely to retain his first XI place for next season Weir can look back on the last 18months with pride and his tutorship of Carlos Cuellar as a lasting legacy to his fellow Rangers fans.

 

 

 

Carlos Cuellar - 9

 

(11 MoM Awards)

 

When fans talk about our current players as legends – comparable to the likes of Gough – you know we have a great player on our hands. Quite simply, Carlos Cuellar was head and shoulders (often literally!) above any other defender in Scotland last season. The fact he was named in the Eurosport European XI also tells its own story about where he stands in a non-SPL sense. Most positives have been said already but the most exciting aspect for this bear is that the Spaniard still has room for further improvement. Gersnet Player of the Year then – let’s just hope he’s here next season!

 

 

 

Christian Dailly - 5

 

(0 MoM Awards)

 

Another player signed by Smith for his experience and versatility, Dailly was never going to be the kind of signing that excited the fans. Even so, what we got was exactly what it says on the tin – hard work, selflessness and professionalism. Dailly actually started off pretty well but unfortunately he couldn’t maintain that standard as the pressure started to tell latterly. Worth keeping for next season you say? Possibly but, like Weir and Broadfoot, we need more quality in the first XI so I don’t want to see him start so many games.

 

 

 

Sasa Papac - 7

 

(2 MoM Awards)

 

The Bosnian is a true unsung hero of the Rangers squad. The one success of the PLG era we once again have another centre half playing at full-back. Strangely enough, it’s this move out of the more hectic and physical central defence that has benefited this player. Decent on the ball, a fine reader of the game and a reliable level of performance is what we get with Papac. Indeed, the increased confidence he seems to have taken from a support awakening to his contribution means Steven Smith will have a difficult task to get back in the side next term.

 

[Continued on Page 3]

[Frankie 8,150]

MIDFIELD

 

Steven Whittaker - 6

 

(2 MoM Awards)

 

Now we reach one of the more frustrating players to wear the jersey last season. Whittaker was signed last summer for Ã?£2million and expected to deliver in a number of ways thereafter. When Alan Hutton left in January, the inconsistent nature of his first half of the season would surely change as he took the right back jersey? Not so. What happened was his manage chose to shuttle him around the team from both full-back roles to both flanks in more advanced positions. While we witnessed some decent games from the inexperienced 23 year old, there’s no doubt his consistency was affected by being moved around too often. It will be interesting to see if he is used similarly next term or if he can finally nail down one position as his own.

 

 

 

Steven Davis - 6

 

(4 MoM Awards)

 

One of the better received transfers of the January window, the Ulsterman wasted no time in showing the Rangers fans what he had to offer. Good on the ball, creative in advanced roles, defensively sound and capable of scoring goals; every Rangers fan was excited about the Fulham midfielder. Then just as that happened we seen the less positive nature of his game. Stuck on the fringes, inconsistent, wasteful and questionable fitness levels – as such what we now have is the jury out on whether or not he’s worth further investment. Steven Davis is a fine player but is he worth Ã?£3million?

 

 

 

Brahim Hemdani - 5

 

(1 MoM Award)

 

Likely to be moved on the summer, season 2007/08 was a telling year in the Rangers career of the French-Algerian. Utilised mainly in the European games, his anticipation, recycling of possession and confidence on the ball was seen as essential in that arena. Indeed, for much of the initial CL games, he did play well despite not having much domestic games to create match-sharpness. Unfortunately, after the New Year, even with more SPL games to play in, Hemdani struggled to really find the quality we’ve seen previously both in the league or Europe. Inconsistent describes this player perfectly.

 

 

 

Barry Ferguson - 6

 

(6 MoM Awards)

 

The skipper’s contribution to this year is perhaps the most fascinating. Most Rangers fans will agree, by his own standards, he’s not had a good year. Deployed further forward than he may like and often posted missing because of the more direct nature of our play, Ferguson struggled to get into many games for much of the season. As such a lot of criticism has come his way (not least by yours truly) but when one does examine his contribution in an analytical sense, it’s not to easy to question him. Second only to Aiden McGeady in SPL assists and 6 MoM awards (albeit pre-2008 in the main) show he may not have been as bad as some claim. Add in the negative team affect when he doesn’t play that shows Ferguson can still be an important player for Rangers. However, neither should he be exempt from some strong criticism which is equally valid. His work-rate is very poor, his passing as bad as it’s ever been and if he’s injured he should take a step back if required. Much more is expected for his Ã?£25K per week.

 

 

 

Kevin Thomson - 7

 

(6 MoM Awards)

 

If Ferguson wants to see how he can improve he can look no further than his preferred partner in central midfield. Quite simply, Thomson was our best midfield player in season 2007/2008 and another exciting marker for next year. Incredible industry, aggression, decent passing and a threat when he does get forward; the lad has it all if he can fine tune his game. Better discipline, increased level of fitness and more selfish on the ball could result in an even better level of consistency. Thomson should be a great Rangers player. Can he fulfil those expectations or will the pressure be too great?

 

 

 

Lee McCulloch - 5

 

(1 MoM Award)

 

The signing of McCulloch was seen as a safe one by the manager. The PLG era had seen a Rangers team never so poor physically and weak in the air – both defensively and in attack. Hence, it was obvious that, along with a more direct style of player, Smith saw the Scotland man as a player who could bring a physical presence to the side. Unfortunately, what happened was that, as we seen our more creative players fall out of the team due to injury, McCulloch was more and more utilised as an immediate ‘out-ball’ for the team. As a result our play suffered and because McCulloch is ordinary at best, he could provide little by way of a genuine spark to our play. Most fans will be indifferent if he moves on but his physical nature could still prove valuable if he does stay. But we must resist the temptation to resort to him and him only.

 

 

 

Charlie Adam - 5

 

(1 MoM Award)

 

Another player singled out for overly negative criticism, Adam’s season was blighted by a series of niggling injuries. While never the best of players, the lad does bring flair and that little something different to the side when he plays. Unfortunately his inexperience and subsequent poor decision-making often detract from the good things he does offer. Whether or not these good aspects are enough to keep the vultures away is completely up to the player himself. If he can improve his fitness and his overall play he could have a future. If not, the irony won’t be lost on some fans who note the complaints about a lack of creative flair in the side while criticising Adam’s inclusion at every turn.

 

[Continued on Page 4]

[Frankie 8,150]

ATTACK

 

Nacho Novo - 7

 

(2 MoM Awards)

 

The likeable Spaniard is one more player whose own personal season is directly comparable to the teams’ generally. Always willing but often not good enough arguably sums it up. The wee man obviously has passion, commitment and work-rate in spades. He can play in a variety of forward roles and his enthusiasm means the negative aspects to his game can be hidden in the main. Unfortunately, they often come to the fore and the usual question marks remain about just how good enough he is. For much of the season though he was our best attacking player and he should be kept to show the players with better ability just what the club should mean to them.

 

 

 

Chris Burke - 4

 

(0 MoM Awards)

 

The enigmatic Scotsman continued to fail to genuinely impress in season 2007/2008. The usual fleeting glimpses of something special were again kept in check by a lack of self-confidence, work-rate and final ball when he did play. His usual proneness to injury and general lack of contribution means the time is finally up for a player who we all wanted to make the grade. Unfortunately he won’t.

 

 

 

Steven Naismith - 5

 

(1 MoM Award)

 

Now out injured for the best part of a year at least, the former Killie player’s guile and creative play were much missed as the season drew to a close. Although he had never managed to secure a first XI slot, the signs were there that he would play an important part in the latter part of the season. Perhaps another player who suffered from being moved around the team too often, his Rangers career is now in the balance after that horrible knee ligament injury against St Johnstone. We can only hope he recovers fully from this.

 

 

 

Jean-Claude Darcheville - 6

 

(3 MoM Awards)

 

A player who never really reached full fitness, JCD still managed to do well in many games as well as score several important goals. Chronic hamstring problems meant he’s often play a few games then miss even more. While that eased after Xmas, unfortunately his consistency didn’t really improve so questions remain about his quality. Nonetheless the positive aspects to his play shouldn’t be forgotten even if his future is uncertain for next season.

 

 

Daniel Cousin - 6

 

(3 MoM Awards)

 

The single biggest source of debate amongst Rangers fans was the contribution of this player last season. Every fan was made aware of the mental aspects of Cousin’s previous clubs so it should have been no surprise when the same questions over his commitment, attitude and personality arose as the season went on. This was to prove extremely frustrating as, even out with the ridiculous Fulham transfer saga, it was obvious the Gabon international was a damn good player. Pacy, strong, aerially competent and capable of scoring goals at every level; the Ã?£1million outlay on his transfer should have paid dividends. Unfortunately, his time at the club will always be remembered for the negative issues and this is one player that – despite his positives – most fans will be happy to see leave.

 

 

 

Kris Boyd - 6

 

(2 MoM Awards)

 

Another player who sparks many a debate, one thing you can always guarantee from a Kris Boyd season is goals. Even although the number of games he started was minimal and even although his form out with his goals was again questionable, a return of 25 competitive goals is still impressive. Because the system with only one striker was used for most games last season Boyd’s contribution was always going to be in doubt. As a penalty-box striker Boyd is a fine one, but when asked to plough the lone striker furrow against quality oppositions he’s not so reliable. As such questions remain over his Ibrox future but hopefully he’ll remain and be provided with a partner who can do the hard work while Boyd, as ever, scores the necessary goals.

 

[Continued on Page 5]

[Frankie 8,150]

CONCLUSIONS

 

It’s obvious from the above that despite a reasonable successful season where domestic trophies and European performance were profitable, much improvement is required if we want to maintain that European level of competition and wrestle the SPL title back from Celtic.

 

If we take an average rating from the squad above we get a mark of 6.14 – hardly the mark of a championship winning side. Furthermore, if we look at the ratings for each area of the park, we see while or defence was worthy of praise, our midfield and attack didn’t perform as they should which explained our inability to win enough games in the closing stages of the season.

 

Nonetheless, despite what may seem a poor season on paper, statistics don’t always give an accurate picture of what was achieved. Only 18 months ago, Rangers were a team in turmoil with little evidence of improvement on the horizon. Thus, while may well have our valid doubts about some players and the manager’s system, there are encouraging signs for next season and beyond.

 

It’s now up to the players (new and old) and the manager/chairman to supply the renewed energy, quality and investment required to bring genuine success back to the club. Next week, we’ll discuss just what can be expected of the non-playing staff at the club.

 

[alanmidd 0]

What about Beasley? I think he'll be a good squad player but too slight to be first choice

[Frankie 8,150]

What about Beasley? I think he'll be a good squad player but too slight to be first choice

 

I didn't include him as his contribution was so minimal because of the injury. Harsh I know but it wasn't easy to make a proper judgement IMO...

 

Please ignore some of the spelling/grammatical errors... I was a bit quick to publish that before proof-reading...

[Gribz 743]

I'll have a good read of that tomorrow morning with my coffee before departing for the aeroporto

[Jon 0]

Excellent read Frankie. Top class.

[juffery 0]

Good read Frankie, must have taken you months!! Amazing that Broadfoot got twice the amount of MOTM awards than Hutton did. Who would've thunk it! And I bet Boyds 2 were for the cup finals.