The inclusion of Djeidi Gassama in the starting line-up in Rangers’ 1-0 win against St. Mirren added to the questions rather than delivering an answer.
Is this a blind spot for Danny Rohl? Why did Gassama feature on the right instead of the left? Why is he struggling so much? Will he come good?
Former Sheffield Wednesday wideman Gassama was overlooked in the previous two games, with Andreas Skov Olsen starting both encounters against Celtic.
The Dane’s return has been underwhelming so far, but that’s another matter to be discussed.
Overall, the lack of impact on the right-wing should be a growing concern for Danny Rohl and Rangers.
Findlay Curtis outshining Gassama and Skov Olsen
Ironically, Findlay Curtis has been called up to the Scotland squad, with Steve Clark rewarding his progress at Kilmarnock.
While Curtis would be worthy of lining up for Rangers in the here and now, it is for the greater good (and his development) that he is featuring regularly and impressing in Ayrshire.
Getting back to Djeidi Gassama, his last significant impact was last month, when he superbly assisted Youssef Chermiti’s clincher against Hearts.
That goal made it 4-2, securing a hat-trick for the former Everton man and securing three valuable points for Rangers with it.
This was Djeidi Gassama at his best.
Evasive, decisive, and direct, making use of his blistering pace and low centre of gravity to exploit a stretched opponent.
Gassama’s poor display in Paisley
The problem is those moments are few and far between.
When he plays from the start, the Frenchman tends to be ineffective, operating on the fringes of the game.
That is how the game in Paisley unfolded, with Gassama’s stats reflecting another abject display.
29 touches, 0 chances created, 0/1 shots on target, with just one accurate dribble and three touches in St. Mirren’s box.
Yes, the conditions were difficult, but the wayward, sliced shot summed up a player that appears as much out of confidence as he is out of form.
It shouldn’t be this way.
His goals against Hearts, Dundee home and away, and even against Viktoria Plzen show what he is capable of.
It’s no coincidence they all came from the left hand side of the pitch.
This is where the winger carries the most threat, so why is Danny Rohl persisting to play him on the left?
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It doesn’t add up. Especially when paired with James Tavernier who typically goes high and wide, compared to the more pragmatic Dujon Sterling.
With the title race now in full flow, Rangers can’t afford a blunt edge on the right flank.
Too often on Sunday, the whole front three were lacking impact. Rohl needs to find solutions to increase the threat, but thankfully, Tuur Rommens solitary goal was enough to win the game.
Looking forward, it’s hard to make a case for Gassama starting against Aberdeen, certainly not on the right.
Skov Olsen is likely to return to the team at Ibrox on Saturday, but would it surprise you if Gassama came off the bench for a key impact?
He has time on his side, but needs to improve fast.
Beyond his ability to beat a man, Gassama’s use of the ball, concentration and overall impact need to be of a higher level, otherwise he will be replaced.
That’s a question for next season, but Rangers need Gassama now.
