Rangers fans name their Player of the Year as Celtic star narrowly misses cut

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Rangers fans submitted hundreds of nominations with several players impressing

They might not yet have silverware to show for it, but there’s a mood of real optimism around Rangers at the end of 2020.

A disastrous run of form early in the year culminated in Hamilton’s shock victory at Ibrox in March, but since football returned in August they’ve been a completely different animal.

Unbeaten in 19 Premiership matches. 16 points ahead of Celtic. Top of a Europa League group that included Benfica and Standard Liege.

It’s been a remarkable turnaround for Steven Gerrard’s side, and several players have been integral to that superb run of form.

I asked fans on Twitter to rank their top three players of the year, and in order to compile the top 10 I’ve awarded three points for a first-place nomination, two points for second and one point for first.

Despite being nominated by a number of Rangers supporters, Shane Duffy didn’t quite make the cut.

Neither did the likes of Jermain Defoe, Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent.

Here are the players Rangers fans have chosen as their top 10 of 2020.

10. Alfredo Morelos (13 points)

9. Ryan Jack (18 points)

8. Steven Davis (33 points)

7. Allan McGregor (36 points)

6. Kemar Roofe (38 points)

5. BORNA BARISIC (47 points)

The Croatian’s deliveries from the left remain as dangerous as ever, with 10 assists to his name from 27 appearances.

As much as he carries a threat going forward, Barisic can always be relied upon to fulfil his defensive duties.

4. GLEN KAMARA (65 points)

With every game, the £50,000 paid to Dundee by Rangers in 2019 looks more and more scandalous.

Kamara has been a stellar presence in midfield for Gerrard’s side this season, and the Finnish international is now one of the first names on the teamsheet.

3. SCOTT ARFIELD (75 POINTS)

That Arfield salute has become a familiar sight, with the midfielder becoming a key part of Rangers’ successful run.

He’s been a standout in their European campaign, with goals against Benfica and Standard Liege helping them to an impressive 14-point group stage haul.

2. CONNOR GOLDSON (319 points)

Two players were head and shoulders above the rest in terms of nominations.

One of those men was Connor Goldson. A rock at the back this season, the 28-year-old has helped Rangers to a stunning record of just five goals conceded in 19 Premiership matches.

His work at the other end of the pitch has been significant too, most memorably with a double in October’s 2-0 win at Celtic Park.

1. JAMES TAVERNIER (580 points)

It’s incredible to think that James Tavernier was receiving significant criticism from fans as recently as March.

The captain has been Scottish football’s outstanding performer this season, with a magnificent tally of 17 goals and 14 assists before the turn of the year.

A leader that the rest of the squad rallies behind. Solid at the back, a constant threat going forward and clinical from the penalty spot.

It’s no surprise that Rangers fans have overwhelmingly named Tavernier their Player of the Year for 2020.