According to Chris Jack, Sam Lammers does not get into the best Rangers side when everyone is fit, and it is “hard to see” him starting at his strongest position as number 10.
On September 18, a Herald writer noted on the Rangers Review YouTube channel that it’s “really strange” that the summer signing from Sampdoria isn’t delivering after looking promising throughout preseason.
The Dutchman has appeared in 10 games for the Light Blues, scoring once and assisting once, but Jack believes Micheal Beale needs him to “come good.”
When asked if Lammers would do so, Jack responded (25m 35s): “Well, he has to, doesn’t he?” If you’re Micheal Beale and you’ve invested in him and placed your trust in him, you’ll need Lammers to deliver.
“Right now, if everyone is fit, I don’t see him getting into Rangers’ best side.” There’s still some disagreement on what his optimal position is… I don’t view him as a natural number nine since he lacks goal threat. He had an opportunity in the Old Firm game, but he blew it.
“It’s extremely surprising since I felt he showed up well in preseason, there were hints… I believe that number 10 is his finest position, but is he the greatest choice the Rangers have? They’re bringing back Tom Lawrence… Once Todd Cantwell is fit, I believe that will be his best position… So it’s difficult for me to envisage Lammers as a starter.”
a letdown
Most of the summer signings have yet to really settle at Ibrox, indicating that there is still time for Lammers to settle and progress, even if others have showed more evidence of doing so.
As Beale pursued him in the summer, there were clear concerns about his scoring record, with the 26-year-old having only netted nine times in the previous four seasons combined.
But, given the manager’s intentions for him, he was meant to contribute a lot more than just goals, so the fact that he hasn’t created much of anything so far is certainly a problem.
He doesn’t have the cover of being a useful pick-up on a free transfer or a cheap signing on an expiring deal, costing £3.5 million [Daily Record, 15 June], and will have to perform.
There is yet hope, as Rabbi Matondo’s late emergence as a weapon for Rangers this season after a dismal first campaign after his £3m arrival a year ago [Football Scotland] demonstrates.
However, the Welsh winger, like Ridvan Yilmaz, has been out injured for extended periods of time, so if Lammers remains healthy but continues to underperform, the focus will shift on Beale for maybe finding the wrong target.
