SEVEN wins from eight, new ideas introduced and difficult trips navigated with success.

For the first time since Giovanni van Bronckhorst re-arrived at Ibrox, there is space for all to take stock of his success so far.

Building on foundations that needed revitalising, a team that looked so vulnerable against Hibs in the game proceeding his tenure have recaptured some superiority.

January now looms and with it the transfer window.

Van Bronckhorst has inherited a squad complementary to his vision of football. A ball-playing centre back, for now, in Connor Goldson has proved vital in possession. Alfredo Morelos has threatened to rediscover past form with an upturn in front of goal. Ryan Kent is again terrorising defences, Joe Aribo playing the best football of his career. Glen Kamara’s press-resistant attributes at the base of midfield afford two advanced midfielders freedom.

This squad was constructed for a previous system, however.

Although two midfield sitters have been used against Sparta Prague and Hibs, it appears that either full-backs greater defensive focus is designed to facilitate two runners from the midfield trio. Leaving John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Steven Davis and Kamara all theoretically playing for one position.

READ MORE: How Rangers' wide transformation derives from Pep Guardiola's 'non-negotiable' tactic

Move up a line, and it becomes clear that a change in midfield requirements may demand a re-balance. Scott Arfield and Aribo aside, there are no obvious candidates to fulfil the No.8 role in this system. Juninho Bacuna is yet to start and Ianis Hagi may not offer the defensive credentials required to play next to Aribo.

Both Arfield and Aribo possess the ability to play deeper but are fielded for their combination of attributes. The former made 28 defensive actions at Tynecastle while still threatening beyond earlier this month. Aribo too can drop down a line in-game when needed.

A player that has the required blend to provide depth in this area may just be required. Someone who possesses enough attacking quality to vindicate his role in the front five, but can also help keep the team compact without the ball.

Calvin Bassey continues to look every bit of a centre-back next to Goldson, but the defence’s lack of depth was revealed last Saturday. Van Bronckhorst admitted it was not ideal to play Nathan Patterson at left-back when he was required to support attacks with an overlap – due to the opposition set-up.

Bassey must surely be considered a centre-back firstly given how he has improved the team’s backline. His mobility to step out of the defence and recognise when danger needs preventing at the source is notable. As well as the protection his pace offers to balls played behind the defensive line.

Therefore, is it time to look at a Borna Barisic backup? A player who can retain the balance in the Croatian’s absence, being a natural left-back.

READ MORE: 6 Rangers transfer options scouted as Scandinavia targeting can upset 'footballing food chain'

Ianis Hagi has played from the right recently with mixed success. At times, the rotations Aribo and Tavernier provide have complimented the Romanian's ability to create from the right. On other occasions, his lack of pace has been exposed. 

With Scott Wright still to develop an end product that merits his place in the starting XI, and Fashion Sakala seemingly more comfortable from the left, the most obvious area Rangers need to address is the right of midfield.

Ideally, Van Bronckhorst would field a player in that position that, like Kent, can cut inside or stretch the pitch and go beyond. Whether that is an attainable target mid-season remains to be seen.

His Rangers' vision has been implemented with great success so far. Singing players that fit his system will only aid progress.