Philippe Clement will be looking to strengthen his team in the summer as he aims to take Rangers to another level.
The January transfer window showed the direction that the manager wants to take his squad with a younger, more dynamic look.
Rangers have already been linked with several players who fit this type of profile and one in particular could be a real asset for Philippe Clement.
Why Jose Cordoba is perfect fit for Rangers new signing policy
Jose Cordoba, according to reports, has already visited Ibrox and a deal is said to be close to agreement.
Clubs tend not to allow players to speak to and visit others unless an arrangement of some sort is in the pipeline.
At 6ft 1 inches tall, the Panamanian international isn’t the biggest of defenders in terms of modern football.
Carlos Puyol, Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta weren’t exactly giants of the game and did alright for themselves though.
What Cordoba lacks in height, he makes up for in pace.
Ridvan Yilmaz is rapid and has been seen covering his central defensive partners, if there was more pace in the middle, he wouldn’t have to.
This is exactly the type of player that Clement will want to have playing for Rangers.
Having a centre-half who can press into midfield to win second balls is a huge asset as it potentially stops counter attacks before they start.
It also allows a manager to have a higher defensive line, which gives more room for recovery of mistakes are made.
Rangers at times this season have been caught out by teams attacking the flanks where there is space and not having the speed to cover quickly enough.
Jose Cordoba is also the unicorn of football players, a naturally left-footed central defender.
It’s no coincidence that Rangers best defence featured Filip Helander who gave balance in and out of possession.
Ben Davies is left footed and is a good passer, but he has neither the physicality or speed that Cordoba has or the reading of the game that Helander had.
Cordoba move could bring Rangers defence throwback
What this would also do is allow Connor Goldson to do what he is good at – organise the defence.
There have been similar relationships in successful Rangers teams of the past.
David Weir and Madjid Bougherra or Carlos Cuellar and even further back to Richard Gough having Joachim Bjorklund next to him.
At the highest level, pace can allow a footballer to get to levels that go beyond technical ability.
Think players like Theo Walcott and whether or not he would have played where he did for so long if he wasn’t so fast.
For defenders, it can be the difference between conceding a 1v1 chance or a throw in on the halfway line.
If this continues to be the profile that Clement is chasing, Rangers are going to look like a new team next season.
