Findlay Curtis scored a fine late equaliser as Rangers drew 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Spain on Sunday night. The match offered the first substantial look at Derek McInnes' new-look side, with several key takeaways emerging from the clash.
New Leaders Emerge
There has been much speculation over who will succeed James Tavernier as Rangers captain. Dan Neil, talked up as captain material, wore the armband from kick-off. However, after Neil was substituted around the 70-minute mark, Lawrence Shankland—McInnes' captain at Hearts—took over the responsibility. At that point, Neil was still on the pitch, suggesting McInnes is currently leaning towards the striker he knows well.
Shaping Up Nicely
McInnes deployed a flexible 4-4-2 shape, similar to his system at Hearts. Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi led the line initially, with Mohamed Diomande tucking in as an auxiliary winger and Oliver Antman providing width. Neil and Tochi Chukwuani formed a solid central midfield pairing, while a back four of Ross McCrorie, Dujon Sterling, Ben Godfrey, and Tuur Rommens looked composed.
Where the New Men Fit In
Dujon Sterling started at centre-back alongside Godfrey, with McCrorie and Rommens as full-backs. Dan Neil operated in a midfield double pivot. Lawrence Shankland paired up front with Bojan Miovski after both were introduced later in the game.
Mr Versatile Shows His Value
Dujon Sterling demonstrated his versatility by starting at centre-back, moving into midfield at half-time after Emmanuel Fernandez replaced Oliver Antman, then playing centre-mid and out wide before being withdrawn for the final 20 minutes. His ability to fill multiple roles could prove crucial if he stays fit.
Curtis States His Case
Findlay Curtis, who impressed on loan at Kilmarnock last season and earned a place in Scotland's World Cup squad, came off the bench and scored a fine looping equaliser. Rangers fans have long sought a homegrown talent to break through, and Curtis appears ready to step up.
Absence Speaks Volumes
John Souttar and Danilo were notable absentees, left back in Glasgow as exits appear imminent. Connor Barron did not feature due to a minor injury. Liam Kelly, Thelo Aasgaard, Nico Raskin, and new signings Ivor Pandur and Cammy Devlin are still on breaks after World Cup duty and will join the squad later.
Depth Required
Fringe players Lyall Cameron and Djeidi Gassama saw limited minutes. With Aasgaard, Raskin, and Devlin set to return, Rangers may green-light moves for players not in McInnes' plans. Mohamed Diomande had to play out wide, indicating a need for more depth. McInnes is targeting at least a new winger and a central midfielder, with defensive cover also desired.
Rangers team against Kaizer Chiefs: McGuire; McCrorie, Sterling, Godfrey, Rommens; Diomande, Chukwuani, Neil, Antman; Chermiti, Naderi. Subs used: Munn (McGuire 45), Fernandez (Antman 45), Bajrami (Chukwuani 55), Miovski (Chermiti 66), Nsiala (Sterling 70), Curtis (Rommens 70), Shankland (Naderi 71), Cameron (Neil 88), Gassama (Diomande 88), Nsio (McCrorie 88).
