Barry Ferguson has told Go Radio that he believes under-fire Borna Barisic could be the player that Michael Beale gets the best out of at Rangers, after returning to Ibrox to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst as manager last month.
Barisic, 30, has been poor this season. Yet to replicate his best form that probably came in Steven Gerrard’s era, Barisic has earned criticism from sections of the Rangers support this season. He is currently in Qatar at the World Cup.
Indeed, Barisic started for Croatia in their last game – his first appearance since travelling to the Middle East. Croatia next take on Brazil in the quarter-finals and the largely ageing side are expected to be beaten by Neymar and co.
When Barisic returns to Ibrox, with Rangers in action against Hibernian on December 15, it is unlikely he will be used straight away. But, Rangers legend Ferguson thinks that Beale can get the best out of 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.”
Ferguson: Beale can get best out of Barisic at Rangers
Someone needs to. Barisic is the first-choice left-back at Rangers but at 30, this is supposed to be his prime. He is supposed to be the man to get crosses in from the left. Rack up the assists – especially, with Antonio Colak up top.
So, why is it not working for Barisic? Is it a case of simply struggling as the rest of the side do? He does still have six assists in his 25 appearances this season. But as Rangers grow, and Beale adds width, you would expect Barisic to shine.
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