Connor Barron of Rangers runs during the pre-season friendly match between Birmingham City and Rangers at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on July 24…Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Connor Barron vs Kenny McLean throws up surprise data in Rangers recruitment analysis
Rangers underwent something of a revamp in the summer by replacing a lot of dead wood with fresh blood.
Five senior players walked out the Ibrox exit door and the manager took the decision to bring in younger players to the squad and to kick-start the player trading model.
One of those was Connor Barron who, surprising many in the process, has been outstanding since signing for Rangers.
READ MORE: Rangers Summer 2024 Transfers, Signings & Exits
Connor Barron of Rangers gestures during the pre-season friendly match between Birmingham City and Rangers at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on Jul…
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Connor Barron vs Kenny McLean in Rangers transfer analysis
The Scotland Under-21 international made a lot of sense given the loss of Ryan Jack both in terms of position and status as a homegrown status.
Rangers were linked with another midfielder who could have played the supporting role at the base of the engine room, however, his legs aren’t quite as fresh.
Kenny McLean was named as a target early in the summer and the rumours persisted until the window shut, with the player himself now addressing the speculation on international duty.
For forward planning and the trading model, signing Barron makes more sense.
Also, on a financial level, Barron won’t cost as much in terms of wages or, even if the tribunal is harsh, in terms of transfer fee.
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So, how do they measure up in terms of performance?
Using Data MB’s comparison tool, there isn’t much between the pair in terms of style or numbers.
McLean’s consistency last season won him Norwich City’s player of the year and he appears to be in similar form.
Barron, despite the step up in quality and extra pressure, is more than matching his experienced international colleague coming out on top in five out of seven matrics.
On paper and on the bank balance, Rangers made the right call.
Clement puts his trust in Barron to lead Rangers midfield
Philippe Clement is already a huge fan and has placed a lot of trust in the 22-year old.
The Gers boss is fully aware that Barron still has a lot to learn in terms of the role that he is playing in front of the defence, but that he has the time to do it.
The steps that he has made so far suggest that Clement could be right:
“Connor is still a young lad who took some experience last season in Aberdeen, but was not playing all the time. He’s taken really big steps because he’s so hungry and so determined to play for this shirt and to give his best. And we’re seeing him grow every week.
“I’m really happy that we could bring him in. It’s also what we want to do, not only to get players from all over the world, but to get really good Scottish players into Rangers.
“Like I said when he signed, he’s going to be for the future of Rangers. A very important player.”
There are a few minor details that Barron has to work on.
Knowing when to step up and press or when to sit is one of them.
Another, depsite Clement always wanting to play on the front foot, is knowing when to slow the game down and control the tempo – Steven Davis was a master of this.
It is this sort of transfer business decision that Rangers need to get right more often than they get wrong, so far, it looks like they are off to a good start.
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Connor Barron
Kenny McLean
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