91% pass rate, seven successful long balls: Rangers star goes under the radar in comfortable 2-0 win

Fri 22 October 2021 8:15, UK Updated Fri 22 October 2021 8:37, UK

Rangers cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over Danish side Brondby in what was a must-win Europa League match – and Steven Davis deserves praise.

The headlines will go to goalscorers Leon Balogun and Kemar Roofe, while James Tavernier was superb. Joe Aribo was praised by Steven Gerrard.

But it was 36-year-old Davis that went under the radar. His performances in midfield have been consistent, once again proving age is just a number.

The Northern Ireland legend clocked up another 90 minutes – albeit having been dropped for the last three Scottish Premiership outings by Gerrard.

He came back into the side against Brondby and dictated the match, controlling the tempo and keeping Rangers in the Danish club’s half.

His are excellent. A 91% pass success rate – 72 from 79 – is stunning. Seven of 10 long balls were successful, also laying on a key pass.

Davis stats: Rangers star shines, but under the radar against Brondby

The veteran midfielder’s job often does go under-appreciated, given his work on the ball seems to be just passing it, keeping it simple.

But it is his know how, his footballing intelligence to read the game and know where to be. His positioning is almost immaculate.

He does not need to follow a no.10 around the pitch, needlessly wasting energy. Instead, he marks the space that prevents a 10 from being a danger.

Combine that defensive genius, with his impeccable passing range – and Rangers have a player in Davis that is showing no signs of slowing down.