Brian Laudrup believes the loss of Calvin Bassey for the first Old Firm clash of the season will be huge for Rangers and insists it’s imperative that James Sands is on his game against Celtic’s fleet-footed frontline. The Danish legend says Bassey’s role was massive in the final two derby clashes as the Light Blues were undefeated, winning the Scottish Cup semi-final clash at Hampden Park after extra time and then earning a 1-1 draw at Parkhead in the final league meeting of the season.
However, Bassey has since moved to Ajax in a big money move and Sands has started the season in the heart of the Rangers rearguard with new boys John Souttar and Ben Davies unavailable while Filip Helander is also still injured. Sands has earned big praise for the way he has grown with his performance in the away Champions League win against PSV Eindhoven the high point as they reached the group stage. But Laudrup, writing in his Scottish Daily Mail column, knows Ange Postecoglou’s fearsome frontline will be a different proposition on the back if slamming nine goals past Dundee United.
Laudrup said: “The Dutchman (Van Bronckhorst)] will also have to compensate for the loss of Calvin Bassey. His breaking out of defence to engage quickly with Celtic’s attacking midfielders, particularly Tom Rogic, was another big aspect in Rangers shifting the needle.
"Bassey was such a powerhouse. And he had both the recovery pace and astuteness to be able to go into areas that hurt Celtic. Now Rangers have James Sands in that centre-back role. He's a different type of player. One who I think has improved, as we certainly saw in Eindhoven. But does he have the attributes and the boldness to really put pressure on Celtic in a similar way?
"Rangers are very flexible in their formation. They can do a lot of things. But absolute concentration and one-on-one defensive ability are still essential against a team that constantly tries to run in behind. In Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota, Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda, Celtic have so many players who are quick in both mind and body.
"I don't like a right-footed player on the left-hand side of central defence. They turn and pass differently than Bassey would have done. It's not a slight on Sands as an individual but I think that's an area Postecoglou might look at in his gameplan.”
The battle in the engine room will be as crucial as ever as Gers look to avoid a defeat that would leave them trailing their rivals by five points. Laudrup continued: “Some specific areas will be key on Saturday. While Rangers have a clear challenge in halting Celtic's front three, Postecoglou will be very mindful of John Lundstram's impact on midfield.
"Lundstram was instrumental in turning the tide last season. Celtic struggled to handle him. The 28-year-old's power, running ability, aggression and passing are tailor-made for the derby. Plus, it looks to me like he loves the occasion and channels all that emotion into his performances. You cannot overstate his importance to the Rangers team.
"The pressure that must be applied to Celtic obviously starts from the front. But the rhythm of a game is controlled in midfield and Lundstram will play a huge part in that. Another big performance from him is essential to hope of an away win that would firmly state Rangers' credentials."
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