After suffering a knee injury in January, Rangers were given a shot in the arm with the return of Connor Barron against St. Mirren on Sunday.
While Tuur Rommens grabbed the headlines with his first goal for the club, the return of Barron is equally important.
The midfield ace showed his importance as a second-half sub in the game against St Mirren.
He showed his ability to dictate the game and helped the Gers see the game out to claim a 1-0 victory.
Rangers are still in the dogfight to win the Premiership title, and the return of Barron can only strengthen their title hopes.
With Diomande injured, Barron enhances Danny Rohl’s midfield options as we approach the business end of the campaign.
His presence and his ability to dominate the midfield will be imperative for the remaining games of the season.
Barron’s enticing cameo
The Scotland midfielder came on for Tochi Chukwuani in the 72nd minute, with the task of seeing the game out.
He made one key pass that led to a shot and completed five successful passes in the St Mirren half.
Barron showed exactly what Rohl had been missing with his cameo.
The midfielder has a natural knack for shutting down opposition attacks and screening the Rangers’ back four.
Against St Mirren, he won all his tackles, won two of his four ground duels, and a St Mirren player never dribbled past him.
He brings energy, tenacity, and leadership to a Rangers team that needs all those attributes in abundance if they are to win the league.
A title-deciding player
With their victory on Sunday, the Gers are three points off Hearts in first, and a point off Celtic in second.
The Gers need all the energy they can get in the midfield, and Barron provides that in no end.
In a 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2 formation, Barron provides the glue, giving the attacking players more license to roam.
While players like Nico Raskin or Mohamed Diomande like to carry the ball, Barron acts as a stabiliser between defence and midfield.
When Barron plays with Raskin, the Belgian shows the fluidity to operate as a more advanced midfielder.
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Against St Mirren yesterday, Raskin showed his immense quality, whipping a perfect ball to Rommens to make it 1-0.
Barron has the tactical maturity and leadership to steady the ship and re-establish control in any game.
He’s a 7/10 every week, and Rohl needs those consistent performers if the league title is to come back to Ibrox.
Barron’s passing ability after two months out yesterday showed exactly how important he is to the Rangers team.
His leadership, maturity, and consistent performances can be the key to the Rangers winning the title this season.
