WHEN Giovanni van Bronckhorst assumed the role of Rangers manager, he inherited an opportunistic situation in a delicate moment.
A day on from more humiliation at Hampden, the squad looked some way off of the standards previously set. The tactical blueprint once so durable, had looked in that 3-1 defeat to Hibs the direct cause of such stark vulnerability.
Four wins on, new tactical ideas have been introduced which has afforded individuals and the collective team a platform to restart their season. Borna Barisic has been arguably the biggest beneficiary of the transition to a new era.
His StatsBomb radar shows the clear statistical improvement in his game since Van Bronckhorst’s arrival (top radar) - compared to his previous league performances from the 2021/22 season.
Although a small sample size of just three domestic games, the data combined with an eye test displays a clear upward trajectory early in the new tenure.
Interceptions, tackles, deep progressions and ariel wins are all up. The Croatian has been dribbled past fewer times and is yet to cause a turnover.
Notice also the slight upturn in xGBuildup despite no dribbles since the change of manager. The left-back has also attempted just four crosses in those three games.
His improvement has been notable and greatly aided by systemic changes to the tactical set-up deployed. Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Dundee, in particular, demonstrated the changes Van Bronckhorst has made to his role.
The Dutch manager appears more reactive than his predecessor, happy to switch systems and make tactical tweaks dependent on the opposition. His first match at Ibrox against a packed defence showed similar trends to the 3-1 win at Livingston, although the build-up shape covered below was far more pronounced at the weekend.
This image shows why Rangers can afford to play one No.6 while still retaining James Tavernier’s attacking ability. Barisic tucks infield to form a back three behind Glen Kamara, Fashion Sakala is the width from the left and Tavernier from the right.
A similar build-up shape was visible at points in the win over Livingston.
This has numerous benefits. Namely, Connor Goldson and Barisic can play forward from the half-spaces, increasing their on-ball options and allowing greater access to passing lanes.
Despite one less deep midfielder, the inverting of Barisic negates the threat of counterattacks and as shown by the retention of his xGBuildup numbers, provides a reliable forward output.
Crucially, it leaves either Sakala or Ryan Kent constantly isolated out wide. Opponents won't be able to overload central spaces and vacate either wing as a result due to the danger either aforementioned player possesses with space to attack.
The shape in build-up seen against Dundee requires opponents to use a man-orientated approach defending the flanks. As opposed to overloading and making the calculated risk of sacrificing space to a full-back - which was often used by teams playing Rangers to counteract the threat of two No.10s.
Because, in this example, Sakala can go past players and hurt teams in a way Barisic is unable to.
Additionally, a slightly inverted position means that Barisic can play outside or infield. Here, he uses the angle to find Alfredo Morelos after receiving from Calvin Bassey. A passing lane that would be easier to block if he was pinned to the touchline and therefore only able to play infield. It's why some managers like their midfielders to receive the ball in these areas.
With Ianis Hagi and Tavernier sustaining the width (out of shot) there are huge gaps in the midfield for the home side to attack.
Barisic receiving the ball in the half-space also facilitates quick distribution to either Kent or Sakala when they are one-on-one.
Instead of being the recipient of these balls while providing width on the left, he can initiate build-up, allowing more freedom to the midfield, and compliment the man ahead of him with his timely overlaps. Arriving in zones when necessary instead of occupying them. A responsibility that appears more suited to his skillset.
Assuming the position of a No.6 alongside Kamara on Saturday, Joe Aribo and Scott Arfield can remain advanced. The defender plays the ball wide and then pulls a marker away from Sakala.
One of many similar moves in recent games is evidenced here against Sparta Prague. With the timely 'arriving' of Barisic aiding Kent's dribble into the penalty box. These runs were more frequent in the Europa League than on Saturday because the side lined up with two central midfielders.
The role of the 29-year-old in such scenarios means that his side's best one-on-one threats can attack in spacious areas. An asset that was gradually lost as the two No.10s under Gerrard played increasingly in congested areas.
Using StatsBomb event data gives a clearer picture of Barisic's evolving role. Comparing his previous three domestic games, Dundee (3-0), Hibs (1-0) and Livingston (3-1), to the final three domestic games played under Gerrard, St Mirren (2-1), Hearts (1-1) and Hibs (2-1).
Firstly, let's look at his open play final third pass and carry map. The key can be seen below.
In the final three league games played under Gerrard, he made 48 passes and 39 carries in the final third. 19 of which were crosses.
In the three league games under Van Bronckhorst, that final third involvement has dropped substantially. With 22 passes and 14 carries made, four of which were crosses.
Now, let's look at his pass map from the middle third of the pitch. In the three final league games he featured in for Gerrard, he made 59 passes from the middle third of the pitch. Crucially, notice the lack of distribution towards the left flank.
Compare that to the 122 passes made in the previous three league outings under Van Bronckhorst. There is a stark contrast in pass directions, with the direction of Barisic's passes angled towards the left touchline - as in the example above.
Clearly, his role on the ball has changed. The Croatian international is impacting the game in the final third more sporadically. In fact, against Hibs he attempted no crosses in a game for the first time in his Ibrox career. In possession he is receiving the ball more centrally and passing outwards to the touchline.
It’s a tactical tweak The Rangers Review hypothesised Gerrard may introduce in September. With teams increasingly growing wise to the 4-3-2-1 (as Gerrard conceded in pre-season) they could set-up to frustrate. Often flooding central spaces and benefitting from either full-back providing width - both of whom are far more likely to cross than attack as Sakala did at the weekend.
Here are two examples - from the match against Hibs in the League Cup semi-final and a recent 2-2 draw with Aberdeen.
Van Bronckhorst has quickly addressed the issue of width by moving away from two No.10s - which will force opponents to give up numerical control in the centre. Barisic's central role in other phases of the game ensures that space is protected.
Instead of Barisic picking the ball up wide and crossing, he remains central here to guard against counterattacks and Sakala beats his marker before firing over. Facilitating the team's best assets in such areas and complimenting attacks when necessary.
Throughout his brief tenure, Van Bronckhorst has appeared to address vulnerabilities seen all season. Barisic’s deeper position in possession allows him to play closer to his centre-backs. Without the protection of an extra No.6, this guards against the threat of counterattacks and the back two becoming isolated.
Goldson and Bassey are out of shape at this long ball against Dundee. Because Barisic is not high and wide and instead occupies a central role, he can put out the fire quickly. Mullen otherwise could have run onto his initial flick on.
As measured in the early cited StatsBomb radar, defensive numbers have shot up. Now with greater protection ahead of him and a simplification of his responsibilities, there is a greater assurance to his defending.
At the end of the Gerrard era, either full-back was often left exposed to switches of play while still being tasked with great offensive responsibility. A new role is revitalising the former Osijek man.
Four games isn't a definitive measure. Regardless, Barisic's improvement has been notable and the tactical differences being asked of him clear upon review of statistics. It appears at current that the defender's form is yet another early win for the new management team.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here