Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Russell Martin’s first game in charge of the Rangers ended with a 2-0 victory against Panathinaikos in his second qualification round in the Champions League. What have we learned? Here are five discussion points …
The style of play is clear to see
Max Aarons was strongly involved in the back left
As was clear during previous Martin management spells at MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton, he wants his team to dominate the ball. He demands it. For better or for worse, the Rangers played from the back, moved the ball quickly and wanted to keep possession in all parts of the field.
We cannot ignore that visitors had a player sent in the 58th minute, but the Rangers had 75% of possession in the match. They only reached this brand four times last season in addition to 50 games in all competitions. During their 12 games from the Europa League last year, they have an average of 41%.
Likewise, their 708 assists attempted and 655 passes finished (92%) were higher than any match last season and well above their season average of around 435 attempts and 360 passes finished. The balloon possession strategy was obvious.
Average positions of Rangers players in the departure XI
The Rangers aligned themselves in a familiar 4-3-3, but the movement of the great-back in particular was a great subject of discussion. James Tavernier and Max Aarons were often seen to derive inside the two central defenders to pick up the ball. Let us even have taken space as a central midfielder in depth.
The Rangers have been taken in possession several times, but that will not prevent Martin from sticking.
A solid start for the defense
Jack Butland made crucial stops
The Rangers had only two clean sheets in their last 17 games last season, and their poor quality file could have continued without a few backups from Jack Butland.
Visitors had their chances, but Butland proved its value and looked full of confidence after a difficult end in last season, when it was abandoned for poor performance.
Defensively, there is still work to do, but Nasser Djiga looked at the game. The speed and strength of the wolf defender on loans were apparent and it fits well in a team that will seek to play high but which will be sensitive to the counter.
As he approached above, Aarons and Tavernier are linked to more central areas meant that there were open spaces that are widely exploited, and with John Souttar lacking djiga rhythm, this could cause problems in the future.
Will Martin change the staff or the tactics to avoid this, or is the part of the risk-reversal strategy that fans will have to get used to it?
Rothwell’s influence will be the key in the midfielder
Joe Rothwell will be a key element in Rangers programming under Russell Martin
Cool, calm and composed. Joe Rothwell experienced a fantastic beginning and seems to be an essential element of Martin’s plan. His ability to pick up the ball at Deep, maintain possession and choose a pass was all exposed – and this transition is something that the rangers lacked.
Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande, two of the most remarkable players in the Rangers last year, benefit from the presence of Rothwell. Raskin was seen much further than before, creating chances in the box and advancing. Diomande prosperous with freedom above in the field, and Rothwell could allow it.
Curtis’ impact and Gassama’s energy
Findlay Curtis des Rangers celebrates its first match against Panathinaikos
Looking at the starting XI, he was just asking where the creative spark came from. Findlay Curtis, eighteen, impressed in pre-season, intensified with a fantastic goal of opening-his first for the club.
The system and training seem to give the wingers a lot of space in which to operate, and they must be able to beat a man. And no player gave more excitement than Djeidi Gassama when he was presented from the bench.
When his signature was announced, Martin called him a “player who will obtain supporters on the edge of their seats”, and it did not take long for this to happen. Gassama arrived in the 75th minute and scored the 78th, with a route at the bottom of the left, a cut inside and a finish from the outside of the box. It was almost a carbon copy of the Curtis strike.
Martin will turn to his wingers to be the difference manufacturers.
The attack could be completely different from next week
Djeidi Gassama scored during his start at the Rangers to double his head
The introduction of Gassama increased energy. But he did not come alone. The two best scorers of last season, Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers, joined him. Igamane played a role in the aim of Gassama, dropping deep to recover the ball, maintain and distribute it in Diomande in the midfield.
Dessers, despite links to a summer outing, can still have a role to play in this equality. The new signature Thelo Aasgaard, who missed Tuesday’s match by injury, is expected to be available for the return match.
Even less than a week, there could be some changes in the team, especially above.
Rangers Fixtures: Motherwell opener live on Sky Sports
Please use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton make their predictions for the title of Scottish Premiership 2025/26
The Rangers will launch their 2025/26 Scottish Première season Pure Saturday August 2, live on Sky Sports.
The first Scottish Première match of Martin in Ibrox will take place on Saturday August 9 against Steven Pressley Dundee.
The first Former business The shock of the season takes place on Sunday August 31 live Sky Sports as Celtic Travel to Ibrox, a match that could be essential while Martin’s side seeks to fill the gap on their competitors in the city this season.
The games will meet Celtic Park again on Wednesday January 3 – live Sky Sports – With their latest pre-en-Éparation meeting in Ibrox on February 28.
