Rangers are undeniably facing a host of issues that need to be addressed in the summer, with their midfield being one of the most critical areas of concern. Under both Barry Ferguson and Philippe Clement, the team has failed to establish the kind of control that has been a hallmark of Rangers’ best sides in the past. Historically, Rangers were known for dominating possession, controlling the tempo of games, and being able to manage a lead effectively, particularly at Ibrox. However, in recent times, these elements have been lacking, and Rangers have struggled to dictate games, especially when they find themselves in the lead. Whether it’s due to poor game management or an inability to maintain a hold on matches, Rangers have been unable to build on their advantages, and this has cost them valuable points.
As Roger Hannah pointed out on Clyde Superscoreboard, this lack of control in matches has become one of the most glaring problems under the current managerial regime. In the past, Rangers teams could be seen comfortably controlling the ball and dictating the pace of games, especially at home. Opponents would often find themselves chasing the game, unable to break down the defensive shape of Rangers while simultaneously being unable to get a foothold in possession. But today, that sense of control is conspicuously absent. Rangers often appear frantic, particularly when they are ahead in a game, with players charging forward without a clear structure, leaving themselves vulnerable to counterattacks. This chaotic approach has been especially evident in games where they have had the upper hand, yet failed to see the game out with confidence or composure.
This issue is compounded by the fact that Rangers’ midfield is arguably their weakest area. They have a shortage of depth in this crucial part of the pitch, with Bailey Rice serving as the only real backup option for the starting midfield trio of Nicolas Raskin, Connor Barron, and Mohamed Diomande. This lack of squad depth in the midfield has meant that, when key players are unavailable or out of form, Rangers have struggled to maintain any sort of cohesion in the centre of the park. There simply hasn’t been enough quality and versatility to cope with the demands of the Scottish Premiership and the various challenges that come with playing at the top level.
The situation has been made worse by the inconsistency of certain players who, while showing flashes of talent, have been unable to consistently perform. One notable example of this is Nedim Bajrami, who has shown promise in European competitions and in key domestic fixtures, such as games against Celtic. However, his continued lack of involvement in important league matches — most notably not coming off the bench against Dundee — has raised serious questions about his ability to adapt to the rigours of Scottish football. While he has shown that he can be effective in some contexts, his failure to consistently perform in the league highlights the lack of depth and quality Rangers are dealing with in midfield. Bajrami is a player who was supposed to add something extra, but he has struggled to fit into the team’s overall dynamics, and this has only added to Rangers’ frustration.
Beyond Bajrami, there is the ongoing issue of finding the right balance in midfield. Rangers have been lacking a player capable of truly controlling games, someone who can dictate the tempo, calm things down when needed, and ensure that they don’t get overrun in key moments. The importance of such a player cannot be understated. Midfielders who can control games — as Steven Gerrard did during his time at Rangers — are worth their weight in gold, and it’s clear that this is an area that needs addressing in the transfer market.
Currently, Rangers are looking for a solution that would allow them to take charge of games, particularly in the middle of the park. Nicolas Raskin, while showing potential, is still in the process of learning how to be a tempo-setter at the highest level. His strengths lie in his ability to drive forward and make things happen in the final third, but he is not yet the sort of player who can dictate the rhythm of a match for 90 minutes. John Lundstram, too, has struggled to adapt to a deeper, more controlling role after spending much of his career as a box-to-box midfielder. This has left Rangers vulnerable at times, particularly when they are unable to dictate the pace of a game and are instead forced into reactive play. As a result, the team often finds themselves scrambling in matches where they should be in control.
This is where Dejan Ljubicic enters the conversation as a potential solution to Rangers’ midfield woes. The Austrian midfielder, who currently plays for Koln in the Bundesliga, has all the attributes that Rangers need in their midfield to restore balance, composure, and control to their play. Standing at 6ft 2in, Ljubicic possesses the physicality required to thrive in the often combative and high-intensity nature of the Scottish Premiership. His imposing presence would allow him to compete in aerial duels, win tackles, and protect the backline, providing much-needed defensive stability in the heart of midfield. But what truly sets Ljubicic apart is his ability to contribute in more advanced areas of the pitch as well.
Ljubicic’s ability to read the game and distribute the ball efficiently from deep positions has been a key feature of his game in Germany, where he has spent the last few years playing for Koln in both the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2. He has developed a reputation as a technically gifted midfielder, capable of controlling the ball under pressure, making precise passes, and setting the tempo of the game. His experience playing in the German top flight would make him well-suited to the demands of the Scottish game, and his versatility allows him to play in a variety of roles, whether as a defensive midfielder or in a more advanced position. This flexibility would allow Rangers to adjust their formation without necessarily needing to make substitutions, which is particularly important for a manager like Nils Koppen, who may want to change tactics mid-game.
This season, Ljubicic has been deployed in a more advanced role for Koln, and his performances have been impressive, contributing eight goal involvements in 25 appearances. This ability to get forward and contribute to the attack would add a new dimension to Rangers’ midfield, offering them a box-to-box option who can not only protect the backline but also help create opportunities in the final third. Rangers have struggled to break down defences at times, and Ljubicic’s creativity and technical ability would give them the kind of midfield dynamism they have lacked.
A midfield trio of Ljubicic, Raskin, and Diomande could be the answer that Rangers have been searching for. With Ljubicic sitting as a more traditional defensive midfielder, he would offer the stability and protection that the team has lacked. This would allow Raskin to play to his strengths, driving forward and acting as the engine of the midfield, while Diomande provides additional energy and creativity. This balance would give Rangers a midfield capable of both controlling games and being dynamic in attack, providing them with a more complete and versatile unit in the centre of the park.
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of Ljubicic as a signing is that he would be available on a free transfer, with his contract at Koln expiring in the summer. This represents a fantastic opportunity for Rangers to bring in a quality player without having to spend a significant amount of money, freeing up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad as well. Given the challenges Rangers face, this is a signing that makes sense on multiple levels, as Ljubicic would offer both immediate value and long-term potential.
In conclusion, Rangers’ midfield has been a consistent source of frustration, and Nils Koppen has a significant challenge ahead of him in the summer to address this issue. With a lack of control in games, a shortage of depth, and players failing to adapt to the Scottish Premiership, Rangers must act decisively to strengthen their midfield options. Dejan Ljubicic could be the solution they need — a player with the physicality, technical ability, and versatility to bring balance and control to their play. With his contract expiring at Koln, he represents a perfect opportunity for Rangers to strengthen their squad without breaking the bank, and he could be the key to unlocking a more composed and dominant midfield that can once again control games in Scotland and Europe.