MediaEvolves
In an interview with Go Radio, Barry Ferguson expressed his opinion that Michael Beale, who returned to Ibrox last month to take over as manager after Giovanni van Bronckhorst left, might be able to get the best performance from Rangers’ under-fire Borna Barisic.
Barisic, 30, has not performed well this year. Barisic has drawn criticism from some Rangers fans this season for failing to replicate his best performance, which most likely occurred during the Steven Gerrard era. He is at the World Cup right now in Qatar.
In fact, Barisic started for Croatia in their most recent match, marking his first outing since his trip to the Middle East. Croatia will play Brazil in the quarterfinals, where Neymar and co are predicted to defeat the largely ageing team.
It’s unlikely that Barisic will be put to use right away when he gets back to Ibrox on December 15, when Rangers play Hibernian. Ferguson, a Rangers legend, believes that Beale can bring out the best in the left-back at Ibrox.
“Going forward, he’s excellent, but he just looked to me a player low on confidence. Hopefully, a new manager coming in, a new style of play, that’s when you see players get that extra boost. No doubt Barisic has got really good qualities.”
Someone should. Rangers’ first-choice left-back is Barisic, but at 30, he should be in his prime. The person who brings crosses in from the left is supposed to be him. Increase your assist total, especially with Antonio Colak at the top.
Why then is it failing for Barisic? Is it just a case of struggling like the rest of the team struggles? In his 25 games this season, he has still contributed six assists. But as the Rangers develop and Beale brings width, Barisic should excel.
