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Kris Boyd believes that the Rangers midfield trio of Ryan Jack, Steven Davis and Joe Aribo are all going to have crucial roles to play in the upcoming Old Firm derby.
Ex-Gers striker Boyd is massively impressed by the three players, who have cemented their spots as favourites in the starting XI.
Manager Steven Gerrard often prefers a 4-3-3 formation and his midfield combination has been the same in the crucial fixtures so far this season.
Jack, Davis and Aribo all played on Thursday night, as the Light Blues recorded a memorable victory at home to Legia Warsaw to progress to the Europa League group stages.
After a goalless scoreline away to Legia in the first leg, the two teams were locked together at 0-0 in Thursday night’s second leg and heading for extra-time.
But Alfredo Morelos popped up with a 91st minute header to sent Ibrox wild and secure a narrow 1-0 aggregate win in the Europa League play-off qualifier.
Rangers now turn their attention to a showdown with rivals Celtic on Sunday afternoon, as the two teams with a 100 per cent league record so far after three games clash at Ibrox.
Boyd believes that the battle in the centre of the park is going to determine the outcome of the Old Firm and he’s a big fan of the Rangers options in midfield.
“I think in the middle of the pitch it will be a key battle [during the Old Firm]. Jack, Davis, Aribo, they have been top drawer this season,”
“Steven Davis this season has started fantastically. Ryan Jack got himself back in the Scotland squad as well, fantastic start for him. Joe Aribo came up from Charlton on a free transfer, Rangers will sell him for money in a number of years because he’s shown he’s a top, top player.”
TBR’s View:
Davis, 34, is the experienced member of the Rangers trio and his leadership in the centre of the park is immense.
He sets the way with a high work-rate and manager Gerrard demands an intensity all over the pitch.
Aribo has made a colossal impact since his move from Charlton Athletic in the summer and the box-to-box midfielder already has four goals under his belt across all competitions.
The 23-year-old is an athletic youngster that has slotted into the XI seamlessly and is making a big impression.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Scotsman Jack is the glue that holds it all together and his consistent performances haven’t gone unnoticed.