Rangers managed to come away from Fir Park with a vital opening weekend win over Motherwell.

The Gers looked very good in spells but they weren’t as fluid as they’d have liked but in fairness it’s the start of the season and a lot of new faces have joined the club.

One of those new faces was Graham Dorrans and the Scottish international midfielder looked right at home in the ‘Light Blues‘ midfield.

The thirty year old didn’t take long to get a goal on his debut.

On the fourth minute a Gers free kick drifted in towards the far post, centre-back Bruno Alves took the ball under control before floating to the opposite end of the Well goal. Veteran striker Kenny Miller then nodded the ball down to the incoming Dorrans who struck the ball well and it was deflected in for the games opener.

That sort of position, with a midfielder coming in and attacking the ball from the edge of the box is just what Rangers need.

Dorrans showed good composure for his second, which was an expertly taken penalty.

The midfielder, a boyhood Rangers fan, was overjoyed by his two goals and his passionate celebrations will instantly endear him to the Ibrox faithful.

But it’s all-round play that should really encourage the Gers support.

He was very composed on the ball, he’d often have a marker or two on his back but would make a turn into space and pass the ball on to a teammate. He’s clearly a thinker and has an awareness that reminds me of Barry Ferguson in his peak. His ability in keeping the ball and building up attacks fits perfectly into Gers manager Pedro Caixinha’s style.

Dorrans also prefers to look to get forward and more importantly he wants to see the ball get into attacking positions. Sometimes midfielders can be too cautious when the get the ball and pass it sideways more often than not, but Graham has an eye for a forward pass which is encouraging.

Playing alongside Ryan Jack helps Dorrans, as Jack will play as the anchor. Caixinha always said that Ryan offers his team a balance that they had been missing and if he can gel with Dorrans then the Scots could win plenty of engine room battles in this season’s Scottish Premiership.

Dorrans will not be the tough tackling type but his street smarts in the midfield should see him picking up plenty of interceptions.

The Glaswegian is also a versatile middleman too. If Pedro decides to go with a narrow three in the middle of the park then Dorrans can fit anywhere in that system. He’s a player who can help lead the team by example and with the experience he’s gain from his decade down south.

Graham Dorrans has a love for Rangers Football Club but that isn’t always enough to get you through, unfortunately I think Andy Halliday proves that point.

But the former Norwich City man does offer a lot to the team and he adds a new class to the midfield that the Gers team desperately needed.

He put down a marker today and he’ll have to show that kind of passion, commitment and smart play throughout the season to ensure he becomes a Rangers hero!

Posted on August 6th, 2017 by scott
Filed under: Article