Rangers have moved decisively in the winter window, with Ben Godfrey reportedly completing his medical ahead of a switch to Ibrox. This is a move that...
Rangers have moved decisively in the winter window, with Ben Godfrey reportedly completing his medical ahead of a switch to Ibrox. This is a move that speaks volumes about where Philippe Clement believes his squad needs strengthening. The former Everton man, a player with Premier League grit and a decent turn of pace, offers something Rangers have lacked since the departure of Connor Goldson's steadying influence. Let's not kid ourselves. This is a signing that addresses a clear vulnerability in the Rangers backline. Too often this season, we have seen the Gers defence caught high up the pitch, exposed by quick transitional play from the likes of Celtic and even some of the more direct Premiership outfits. Godfrey, for all his critics on Merseyside, is a natural athlete. He can recover ground, he can engage in a foot race, and crucially, he is comfortable stepping into midfield to disrupt attacks. That kind of tactical flexibility is gold dust in a league where physicality and pace often decide the outcome.The question, of course, is whether Godfrey can rediscover the form that made him a £25 million player. His time at Goodison Park was a mixed bag, marred by injuries and a revolving door of managers who never quite settled on his best position. Is he a centre half or a full back For Rangers, the answer probably lies in the middle of a back four, where his ability to read the game and his composure on the ball will be put to the test. There is also an emotional edge to this deal. Rangers fans are a demanding bunch, and they have been crying out for a defender who looks like he wants to head every ball, who treats a last ditch tackle like a winning goal. If Godfrey brings that intensity, if he shows he is willing to put his body on the line in the Glasgow cauldron, he will be an instant hit. But the Scottish Premiership is a relentless beast. There is no room for passengers, no time to settle slowly. You either stand up to the challenge or you get swallowed by it.From a tactical standpoint, expect Clement to use Godfrey as a high pressing defender, one who can step out aggressively to close down space in the middle third. That should allow the full backs to push higher, giving Rangers more width in attack. But the real test comes in the big moments. The Old Firm derby. The European nights under the lights. Those are the stages where a defender's true character is laid bare. Godfrey has the raw tools. Now he needs to prove he has the mentality to match.GoalZaza has learned that the deal is all but done, barring any last minute paperwork hitches. It is a gamble, sure, but a calculated one. If this works, Rangers have landed a player who could be the bedrock of their defence for years. If it does not, well, Ibrox has seen its fair share of expensive mistakes. The smart money says Godfrey is built for this fight.
