Philippe Clement must make this one change for Dundee Utd to get Rangers fans on side
Yesterday at 02:00 PM
Philippe Clement has had more than his fair share of problems to deal with in his time at Rangers and he will be hoping that his luck is about to turn.
Domestic football returns with a home game at Ibrox and the manager will be hoping that a good performance and positive result sends the fans home happy.
Someone else who could do with a lucky break rather than a bad one is Danilo, a player who could be key to Rangers fortunes changing direction.
Danilo must start for Rangers vs Dundee United
The Rangers No.99 had already returned to full training before the international break, had played first team minutes and B team games too, his match fitness wouldn't have been far away from allowing him to start.
In the same boat as Cyriel Dessers following the two-week break, Clement no longer has an excuse as to why Danilo shouldn't be starting.
The most perfect example of the frustration that is Dessers, is his last three games.
Three goals, however, he was as much of a hindrance as he was a help to Rangers efforts to score and create goals.
As seen in Danilo’s 20-minute cameo against Motherwell at Hampden, he is more than just a player capable of getting goals.
He had only a handful fewer touches than Dessers despite being on the pitch for over an hour less.
His goal contribution per minute rate of around one a game is also enough encouragement to throw caution to the wind.
Why picking Danilo is so important for Rangers recovery
Speaking on Danilo's return during the last block of fixtures, Clement touched on the need for every player to be at their best:
“We need to work hard, recover correctly and be ready for this crazy schedule,” said Clement.
“For everyone in our business, particularly those with European football, it will be a challenge.
“I expect our level to rise in the next couple of months,” a claim the Gers boss has yet to see backed up.
“Yes, there are steps made, but we still have to make several steps to get where we want to be."
One step, could be picking the best striker at the club. Danilo isn't in the Europa League squad so; domestic football is where he should start and allow Dessers to be sharper for mid-week fixtures.
It isn't the solution to every problem, but starting Danilo against Dundee United would give fans who are sick of the status quo a much-needed lift.
