139 touches, 8 key passes: Rangers star who lost the ball 32x was Clement’s true hero

Rangers gem outperformed Cantwell against Ross County, losing the ball 32 times.

Glasgow Rangers defeated Ross County 3-1 at Ibrox last night, but in all honesty, the game should have been much more comfortable than it was. The Light Blues had 43 shots in total, 23 of which were on goal, but they only prevailed 3-1. This is an incredible statistic that shows exactly which area of the team Philippe Clement needs to strengthen this summer.

Even though Cyriel Dessers scored twice in the match, he still remains a mystery since he failed to convert three clear opportunities.

With the exception of the wasted opportunities, every member of the starting lineup was outstanding, especially Todd Cantwell.

Todd Cantwell’s game in numbers vs Ross County

The Englishman was once again deployed in his preferred number ten role, and he excelled during the match, despite not scoring or providing an assist.

But as the offensive midfielder tried to start things off right from the start, he did generate two great opportunities and make four crucial passes. His close control was excellent, jinxing opponents like a scalpel through butter.

Cantwell showed a desire to be involved all the time by completing 89% of his passes and accumulating 89 touches during the game. He also came very close to scoring during the second half, and a goal would have neatly finished off his effort.

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Given how dominant he could be at times, Rangers TV awarded the former Norwich City ace Man of the Match, and there was no disputing the decision.

The captain, James Tavernier, was the only player who performed better statistically; Sofascore gave the skipper an amazing perfect 10 for his performance.

James Tavernier was excellent vs Ross County

It appeared like the evening would be quite simple after Dessers opened the score in the first five minutes.

Although the Staggies’ equalization was not in the cards, Tavernier persisted in encouraging his team, and in the end, he was the driving force behind the Gers’ three-point victory.

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5′ @James_Tavernier with the ball into the path of @CyrielDessers who leaves the keeper no chance with a perfect lob over his head into the back of the net Get In Rangers 1-0 Ross County

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The right-back not only had 139 touches but also set up three excellent opportunities, assisted on all three goals, and took six shots in total, however he was unable to register a point.

As Tavernier proceeded to create opportunity after opportunity for the Light Blues on what was turning into a nerve-wracking evening in Glasgow, he also made eight, yes eight, crucial passes during the entire game.

In the last minutes, John Souttar scored a goal to seal the victory. Although the captain gave up the ball an incredible 32 times, it was only because he was determined to get the ball deep into the opposition’s territory in order to unleash yet another onslaught on the County defense.

Three points is all that matters, but on an evening where the Ibrox side could have scored ten goals, it will be looked upon as a major missed opportunity for Clement and his side.

The result sees Rangers move level on points with Celtic at the top of the Premiership table and if they keep on winning, they have an excellent chance of winning league title number 56.