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When it comes to his squad, Steven Gerrard has often said he wants two players for every position.
In some areas of the park, the Rangers boss has three and even four players for each position and every single one of them adds something to the squad.
The Ibrox men defeated Real Madrid in the final pre-season game and it’s been a bit of a mixed bag in friendlies but they looked right at their top level against the Spanish giants.
The likes of Ryan Kent was in top form while Glen Kamara continued to show just what he can do during the second half as he played the Real Madrid midfield off the park.
It was only the second win of pre-season with the other coming in the opener against Partick Thistle and there were draws against Arsenal and Brighton and a surprise defeat to Tranmere in there.
But there’s been plenty of success stories from the campaign so far, as well as a few who didn’t quite give their manager a headache.
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Winners
Cedric Itten
The Swiss striker scored his third goal of pre-season and Gerrard was delighted with him as he spoke about his performances. He’s not always the easiest on the eye when he’s playing but he gets goals and will be going into the season high on confidence.
His finish against Real Madrid was one that could easily be compared to goals that Jermain Defoe has scored throughout his career as he swivelled and hit a half volley on the turn to leave Andriy Lunin with no chance.
His goal against Partick Thistle showed poacher’s instinct and his header against Arsenal was another type of goal to show he has plenty in the locker.
Gerrard spoke about him after the game and said: “He’s been the standout attacking player over the course of pre-season. He’s been available for the most minutes and he hasn’t missed a training session.
“He seems more settled in the city now himself and his girlfriend can get about and socialise than they could in the first place.
“He’s settled more and you can see that in his training performances and his playing minutes.
“He’s scored three goals and he certainly looks ready.”
He still has a bit to do to get the main striker’s jersey on a regular basis but he’s definitely much improved on where he was.
Stephen Kelly
Spend big money on an eventual replacement for Steven Davis? No need. Rangers have what they need right here with Stephen Kelly.
The youngster has arguably been Rangers most consistent and best performer throughout pre-season and his showing against Brighton on Saturday showed just what he can do.
He only got a short run out against Real Madrid but the 70 minutes under his belt on Saturday would have done him the world of good.
His willingness to take the ball in under pressure isn’t something you always see from a Scottish midfielder and he almost has the guile of Glen Kamara about him as well as the passing range of Davis.
His size is often aimed at him as a criticism but it’s evident that he knows how to use it to his advantage in holding onto possession and he’s not afraid to put a boot in either.
It would be a shame for him if he was sent out on loan again and there’s no reason why he can’t play a part for Rangers this season.
Jack Simpson
Signed from Bournemouth in January, it’s fair to say he didn’t get off to the best of starts. He looked clumsy in the challenge and struggled with the physicality but he’s been strong in pre-season.
His ability to pick a pass was on show and he was much more assured when attackers were challenging him that he was in his few appearances last season.
He’s still not going to be a first pick but he showed what Gerrard saw in him and he’s a perfect back-up to Filip Helander in that left centre back role, with Leon Balogun covering Connor Goldson.
That gives Gerrard the opportunity to continue with his favoured partnerships of a left-footed centre back to help break the lines and Simpson can certainly do that.
One worry for him is he can be prone to a foul and a yellow card but he’s certainly putting the right building blocks in place for the new season.
Losers
Jordan Jones
The Northern Ireland international has bags of talent, but never produces it often enough.
He put a couple of good crosses into the box on Sunday but his showing on Saturday left a lot to be desired.
At this stage, he’s behind Ryan Kent, Scott Wright, Ianis Hagi and Kemar Roofe for the inside 10 slots, as well as the likes of Fashion Sakala and Joe Aribo who can also play there.
His time at Rangers has been filled with controversy and you wonder whether he’s used up all his chances but he regularly got game time during pre-season.
It was disappointing for him that he never really took that chance but he also wasn’t helped by his rivals for the positions generally having good pre-seasons.
Down the list of options, he might be one to head out the door.
Alfredo Morelos
Okay, this might be a bit of a controversial one given he never played. But that’s exactly why he’s been a bit of a loser in this summer’s friendlies.
Cedric Itten and Fashion Sakala have both been able to get goals and game time while Gerrard sounded very frustrated about Morelos when asked about him late last week.
It would be crazy to suggest he won’t be involved as soon as he’s available because he’s still Rangers best striker, but he might need to be patient for a regular run in the starting lineup if Itten and Sakala continue their form into the competitive campaign.
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With Kemar Roofe and Jermain Defoe also looking for that No. 9 shirt, it’s sure to be interesting for El Bufalo when he gets back into action.
George Edmundson
The centre back looked a real talent when he joined but a mixture of issues last season meant he played just once across the campaign, and it looks like even less of a chance this time around.
He’s wanted by Derby and Ipswich for a return to England and it might be something he needs himself to kickstart his career.
He is a good defender and has shown some ability during pre-season but he’s arguably sixth choice centre back at the club after the return of Niko Katic.
Loan moves are no longer what’s needed for him and with Connor Goldson set to sign a new contract, Filip Helander continuing to show a great level and Jack Simpson also getting going, Edmundson’s time at Ibrox might just be running out.
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