Derek McInnes believes Djeidi Gassama can illuminate a path to success for Rangers this season, but only if the winger fine-tunes his final decision-making and boosts his attacking numbers.
The 22-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain player, signed from Sheffield Wednesday last summer, made an immediate impact with four goals in his first four games. However, as the club's form dipped under Russell Martin, Gassama managed just five more goals for the entire season.
This term, the early signs suggest the Mauritania international has rediscovered his sparkle, though he has registered only one goal and two assists so far.
McInnes demands more from Gassama
McInnes acknowledged Gassama's contribution during a difficult period, saying: "Yeah, last season, watching from the outside, Rangers got off to a tough start but Gassama was probably a wee bit of a shining light in those opening games. He had a bit of an impact."
"Like everybody else through the pre-season, nobody's really caught fire in terms of hitting the ground running but he has done well. Particularly in recent weeks, he has carried the fight, I think we've shown we've built the game well and we've utilised the spaces, we've also been a very good counter-attacking team of late and he's been a big part of that."
"Gass just needs to get his numbers up. He's bursting to score more, it's something that he's aware of because the fitness is there, the intent, the power and confidence is there. It's just that last part now where if we can just put it all together. Hopefully he can continue that progress and be a big player for us."
Catch-22 for confident wingers
The arrivals of Kim Minsu, Daisuke Yokota and Badredine Bouanani have given McInnes more options, which could free up space for Gassama as opponents can no longer afford to double-mark him.
McInnes explained the dilemma: "It's a catch-22. I've had loads of wingers who are so confident that, even when people double up on them, they're like, 'That's fine, I'll deal with it'. But that's really when they should be moving the ball and passing it, looking for better options. You don't want to knock that confidence out of him but sometimes that final decision-making and last pass could be taken better care of."
"I thought we could have taken care of that last pass both at Falkirk and particularly Aberdeen. There was also opportunities at the weekend [against Motherwell] where a good chance could become a brilliant chance, if you just lift your head a wee bit. But I don't want to, and certainly in Gass's case, have him lose that desire to get among the goals and that belief and confidence, so it's just a fine balance."
Rangers building momentum
Three straight wins have eased the strain following a disastrous double European exit. Another victory over St Mirren tonight would set up Sunday's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Celtic with confidence restored.
McInnes, who will be without injured skipper Lawrence Shankland and new Japanese signing Yokota, said: "I don't know if the pressure's lifted. I don't think that ever lifts until you've got a trophy in your hands but I do think that there's been a good feel about the place."
"It feels like a good dressing room here. Of course the response has been really strong, we have navigated two tricky away games, we've picked up a really good performance at the weekend against Motherwell. I thought the scoreline could have been a few more when we looked back at the game. There was a lot about the game we really enjoyed and it's now five wins from six."
"Confidence levels are up and we look far more difficult to play through, we look far more creative in what we're trying to do. Now, with the transfer window closing, hopefully we can continue that progress."
"I spoke to the players last week about the fact we've got a strong squad and how the squad must drive standards – if you get minutes on the pitch, don't leave the door open for anybody else. I thought we didn't have a failure at the weekend. It was a strong performance individually as well as a team. I want us to feel that winning is what we do here and get used to it. We just need to keep churning away results."
