Rangers’ recent tactical switch has raised doubts about the future of £2.7m signing Nils Koppens. The Belgian midfielder was brought to Ibrox last summer with high expectations, but he has struggled to make an impact in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team.
The Rangers manager has recently switched to a 4-3-3 formation, which has seen Koppens relegated to the bench. The midfielder’s preferred role is as a deep-lying playmaker, but Van Bronckhorst’s new system has reduced the need for a player in that position.
As a result, Koppens’ future at Rangers has been thrown into doubt. The £2.7m price tag that came with his signing last summer has only added to the pressure on the midfielder to perform. However, with Van Bronckhorst’s tactical switch, it remains to be seen whether Koppens will be given the opportunity to prove himself.
The Rangers manager has been praised for his flexibility and willingness to adapt his tactics to suit the players at his disposal. However, the change in formation has also raised questions about the suitability of certain players, including Koppens.
Koppens’ agent has recently spoken out about the midfielder’s situation, stating that he is “not happy” with the lack of playing time his client has been receiving. The agent also hinted that Koppens may be open to a move away from Rangers in the summer if his situation does not improve.
Rangers fans will be watching the situation closely, eager to see whether Koppens will be given the opportunity to prove himself in Van Bronckhorst’s new system. If not, it remains to be seen whether the midfielder will still be at Ibrox come the start of next season.
The situation highlights the challenges that come with managing a squad of players, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Van Bronckhorst’s tactical switch may have solved one problem, but it has also created another. Only time will tell whether Koppens will be able to adapt to the new system and prove himself as a valuable member of the Rangers squad.