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Rangers answer to their defensive issues may already be at the club in ‘very talented’ 21-year-old – TBR View

Chris Cherry

Fri 11 February 2022 19:00, UK

Rangers manager Giovanni Van Bronckhorst faces a bit of a defensive headache and could look to James Sands as his solution.

Rangers have had issues at centre back now since the end of 2021. Filip Helander has been since September, having required knee surgery, he has only featured in three league games. The Swede was reported to be returning in December, but it is now February, and the manager has said he may make the squad for the weekend trip to Annan.

Leon Balogun has had this season too, missing from the end of November till the end of January. Calvin Bassey has had to deputise alongside the ever-present Connor Goldson but has endured a few nervous moments since the return from the winter break.

Balogun return looked to steady ship

Balogun had returned to the fold in recent weeks, coming off the bench at half-time in the defeat to Celtic, a move which was prompted due to left-back Borna Barišić having a horror show in the Old Firm. Bassey moved to left-back and Rangers looked more solid in the second half of the game, despite the tie being over by half-time.

Rangers then demolished Hearts 5–0 with Balogun and Bassey taking up their roles at centre and left-back respectively. The side looked much better balanced, and fans were confident going ahead.

However, Leon Balogun an injury in the following match against Hibs, in what appeared to be a hamstring injury. His injury led to the introduction of Barišić and Calvin Bassey reforming his partnership with Goldson in the centre.

Barišić needs to be taken out the firing line

It was evident from the off that Barišić is lacking in confidence, his first back-pass of the game was met with several groans from the Ibrox crowd and there was a great deal of hostility towards his inclusion. Barišić’s embarrassing performance in the Old Firm is his own doing, and he is now an easy scapegoat for when things aren’t going well. The manager could do worse than give the Croat a spell on the side, taking him out the firing line.

Helander will obviously be severely lacking in match fitness, and it is unknown what kind of role he will be expected to play in the remainder of the games this season, a fully fit Helander is arguably Rangers best defender but it’s too important a season to be rushing the Swede into the side, risking a recurrence of his injury.

With Bassey ineffective in the air and definitely more comfortable and effective attacking down the left, it leaves Van Bronckhorst with a decision to make — who partners Goldson at the heart of the defence?

James Sands could step in

Van Bronckhorst may look to his first signing as Rangers manager — James Sands.

Sands has been described as ‘’, being able to play a number of positions.

The USA international was signed in January on an initial 18-month-loan from MLS side NYCFC. Sands was NYCFC’s first homegrown signing when he joined in 2017 and 76 times for the MLS side. He was awarded NYCFC’s ‘Young Player of the Season’ last season, registering an average pass completion of .

He had previously of his desire to play in Europe saying

“Long-term, playing at a top level in Europe has always been my dream and still is”

Upon his arrival at Rangers, he

“I’m very excited to be joining Rangers Football Club.

“It is an incredible opportunity for me to join a club with such a winning history and worldwide fan base.

“Additionally, I’m looking forward to joining an ambitious and talented group of players and coaches. I am certain that Rangers will progress me as both a player and as a person.”

When the signing was announced, Van Bronckhorst claimed

“James is a player who I have been aware of for some time. His versatility was a big attraction and I’ve been impressed with his attitude and mentality in the games that I have watched recently.

“He is a talented young player with areas of his game which we will endeavour to develop through our coaching.

“I am looking forward to getting him onto the pitch and starting to work with him.”

High-profile praise

James Sands made his first for NYCFC at the age of just 16, playing in a pre-season friendly in Brazil, with an attendance of 40,000. He played in a midfield three that consisted of legendary Andrea Pirlo.

Sands was given the start despite being recognised as an academy player. He was later given his first-team debut later in the season by manager Patrick Vieira who said

“Age is just a number — it’s about his desire to compete and the talent,

“He understands the game like a 30-year-old. He’s got personality and he’s really good on the ball.”

In addition, David Villa, another high-profile player, who was a team-mate of a young Sands added

“He’s really an amazing guy — so smart, so smart,

“We are all very impressed with James. Not only in the game tonight, but in training every day.

“It’s good news — very good news for New York City.”

Sands time at Rangers

Despite the praise, Sands has only played for Rangers since his arrival, playing 90mins in the 1–1 draw at Aberdeen and 59mins of the 1–0 win over Livingston, both appearances he played in the middle of the park.

Nonetheless, Sands has plenty of experience as a , playing in the role 34 times, particularly in the national side where he won the Gold Cup 2021, completing five games undefeated and only conceding one goal in those games.

Sands should be given his chance – TBR View

Sands has been at Ibrox now for over a month, he will have settled into the squad now and has had plenty of time on the training ground with Gio and his staff. He has shown he can play in front of a large crowd and has been praised by several high-profile players in the game.

His passing and aerial stats suggest he may be an upgrade on Bassey in the central role. Bassey struggles in the air and we lose his attacking prowess when he isn’t on the left side. Barišić needs a spell out the side and Sands may bring the best balance to the back four.

Goldson is the ball playing defender at the moment but it would be brilliant for Rangers if we had another option as good, James Sands passing stats suggest he is capable.

With Rangers next tie being Annan in the cup, it is the perfect opportunity to give Sands a shot alongside Goldson. He should be untested, and it would allow him some minutes and to form some familiarity with Goldson. The only downside is there will likely be rotation for the game with usual right-back James Tavernier and keeper Allan McGregor sitting the weekends tie out.

It’s time for him to be given a chance to show what he can do and why he was brought to Rangers — Saturday is the perfect chance.