Andy Halliday has told Clyde Superscoreboard that Rangers star Ryan Kent looks ‘devoid of confidence’ because of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s tactics, claiming the Ibrox gaffer has put a leash on both Kent and Borna Barisic.
Kent, 25, enjoyed a sensational campaign last term – having a hand in 22 goals in 46 games. While he only scored three times, Kent laid on an enormous 19 assists. This season, he has laid on three assists in five Scottish Premiership games.
However, Kent is yet to score. In his five appearances in Europe, he is yet to score or create. There has certainly been a downturn in terms of form – mirroring Rangers’ start to the campaign. Kent has taken some criticism from supporters.
Rangers icon Halliday gave his take on Kent’s form. The Hearts midfielder believes that Kent is lacking in confidence because van Bronckhorst is preventing the winger from expressing himself fully – along with Barisic on the left flank.
“I don’t think there is a bigger defender of Ryan Kent over the last two or three years, but lately he just looks devoid of confidence. On Saturday it’s the first time I watched him and thought that these mistakes seem to be affecting him.
“I feel like Borna Barisic is almost on a leash as well. Anytime Rangers are attacking it’s quite often crosses from deep, and it’s easy to double up on Ryan Kent. It’s not an excuse for him. He still needs to play a lot better than he is.”
Halliday: Rangers star Kent looks ‘devoid of confidence’
Is it van Bronckhorst’s tactics? Or is it that clubs are finally starting to get a grip with defending against the winger and he is being outmarked of a match? Maybe, van Bronckhorst should think about a new position for £18k-a-week Kent.
Give him the chance to come inside and play as a 10, maybe. The winger certainly has the ability and attacking threat to play as a 10 – and his assists would suggest he could pick a pass between the lines. It would improve his goal tally.
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