Rangers picking Ryan Kent based ‘on name’ not form says Brian Laudrup – but Liverpool task ‘not impossible’
RANGERS boss Giovanni van Bronkhorst fired a shot across the bows of winger Ryan Kent last week - but Brian Laudrup expects the ex-Liverpool winger to return to the team against his former club.
The Dutchman DROPPED Kent for Fashion Sakala in the 4-0 win against St Mirren after saying he 'had to do more' for the team.
Kent has scored just four times in the past year - and hit his first of the season against Hearts earlier this month but his lack of numbers has been a concern and anonymous performance at Anfield resulted in a rare rest at the weekend.
Laudrup does not expect that to last though.
Writing in the Daily Mail, the Danish star said: "I'd be very surprised if Ryan Kent didn't return to the line-up after being left out against St Mirren but it's clear van Bronckhorst is trying to stir a reaction.
"His comments last Friday about needing more from Kent were interesting.
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"I can't disagree. I've spoken so much about the winger's ability. We can all look back at big games in Europe over past seasons when he has been a huge influence.
"Right now, though, he's perhaps playing more on his name than anything else.
"Van Bronckhorst said he's had conversations with Kent about the positions he takes up on the pitch and so on.
"That's notable. I've said before that Kent has become a little bit lost in terms of how he sees games.
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"He makes wrong decisions and is not getting into enough areas where he can actually hurt teams.
"It's such a shame because we know the depth of Kent's talent. Whether it's about confidence or something else, Van Bronckhorst has decided now is the time to try a slightly different approach with him."
Kent's contract expires at the end of this season and the winger can discuss a future move in January, but his options will be limited based on current form, pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has warned.
A statement performance against Liverpool could change that though and Laudrup believes Rangers have nothing to lose in the Battle of Britain return at Ibrox.
"No one expects all-out attack. But Van Bronckhorst has shown in the past that he can find the right balance to ask searching questions of teams with far greater resources. Just ask Borussia Dortmund or RB Leipzig.
"Yes, this is unquestionably another step up in quality. But it also feels like a good time to try and test Liverpool given their issues in the English Premier League.
"If Rangers can start well and grow in confidence, there might just be something there for them.
"They will have to max out in every department, but it's not impossible to end the game getting off zero points in the section and with the squad finally feeling like they truly belong at this level."
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He added: "You want to see Van Bronckhorst's side at least try to capitalise on any vulnerabilities.
"Because Rangers were afraid of getting battered, they pretty much handed it to Liverpool at Anfield. They played to the opposition's strengths. That can't happen again."
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