Alex Lowry is an incredibly gifted young football. Unfortunately, he had a really tough time last season, personally and with injuries. Will the upcoming season present him with his chance to shine? I hope so.
The 19-year-old had a stop start season with injuries. This prevented him getting many first team opportunities and most of his playing time came with the B team.
The Numbers
As previously mentioned, he didn’t have many first team opportunities last season. Michael Beale did give him a start against Motherwell though and this was how he fared;
- 67 Minutes Played
- 55 Touches
- 85% Pass Accuracy
- 5 Passes Into The Final Third
- 2/3 Shots on Target
- 3 Recoveries
- 50% Ground Duels Won (4/8)
- Fouled 3 Times
He played this game coming from the left. This is a position he’s familiar with as he goes between there and a more central behind the striker role. In this game he was the players fans expected. Furthermore, he looked incredibly bright at times and was always trying to break the defence.
The last point refers to his ability of slipping the ball through the defence to an onrushing team mate. That is something he excels at, especially the reverse through balls.
The only other meaningful minutes he got was a sixteen minute cameo against Hibs. Although he wasn’t on the pitch long, he made an impact. In fact, in that time, he managed;
- 2 Recoveries
- 1 Pass Into The Final Third
- 1 Chance Created
- Fouled once
Impressive for such a short cameo. There’s so much promise in the youngster, I really hope Michael Beale gives him some playing time in the upcoming season.
Alex Lowry in The B Team
To be completely honest, he is way too good for the B team and the Lowland League. In eleven appearances between the league and Challenge Cup he had eleven goal contributions. This record of a goal contribution per game makes it clear he’s a cut above.
He’s one of the most naturally talented Scottish footballers I’ve seen in recent memory. The ability that he has to unlock defences by himself or for others is incredible.
He plays with a freedom and confidence that is normally drummed out of players at youth level. Scotland don’t produce players that play with freedom very often. It’s fair to say that Lowry comes into that category, and then some.
Alex Lowry’s Mentality
There are always rumours about players that come from the academy. Most of them focus around the players with big potential being brats. The type of players who don’t want to train or give their all. Also, the type of individuals that have a lack of respect for the club and staff.
Obviously, this rumour has stretched to Alex Lowry, although no evidence of it being true has been made public. Currently, this is his frame of mind;
The youngster is currently out doing some pre, pre-season work. Firstly, it’s incredible to see him starting early. Secondly, it shows how keen he is to get in the right shape for pre-season. Thirdly, it shows his head is in the right place and he’s focusing on pushing himself to help his career.
The youngster had this to say when talking to the Rangers official website;
I still have so much to prove and it’s up to me to prove to the manager that I’m worthy of a starting place or game time from the bench. Hopefully I can play as many games as possible for the club.
Alex Lowry to the Rangers official website
Encouraging words that show he’s not ego driven and living with his head in the clouds. He knows there’s work to be done and it looks like he’s taking all the right steps so far.
Fitness will be key come the training camp. That is going to be his first chance impress the manager. A solid pre-season from the Scot could lead to first team chances early in the season.
It’s all to play for Alex Lowry and his immediate Rangers future.
His Managers Thoughts
Yup, manager is plural because David McCallum will also be involved here. Here’s what the former B team boss had to say;
I think it is clear that Alex is a talent, there is no doubt about that. He has had an unfortunate season where he has picked up some injuries, which have delayed him.
I think everyone here has absolute belief in what Alex can be.
David McCallum on Alex Lowry
McCallum pretty much saying what everyone else believes here. Talent and potential have never been an issue and hopefully he stays injury free this year.
Speaking after the Scottish Cup tie against Partick, which Lowry missed out through injury, Michael Beale had this to say;
There are some areas he has got to work on but it is the same with every player – most of the players playing today have got that.
But I have spoken before about how I think he can be a big player for us in the future.
Michael Beale to the Herald
The manager has always spoken very highly of the youngster. Everyone at the club is a fan and wants to see him succeed. That’s mostly because he’s a rare talent in Scotland, a free-spirit which most academies don’t have.
What’s Next For Alex Lowry?
I believe he needs a chance this season. He has shown in first team appearances that he’s capable of playing in, at least, the SPFL. He adds a homegrown name to the quota and a chance to develop one of our own. Furthermore, he adds versatility with the capability of playing as an eight, ten or on the left side.
As I’ve said previously, Scotland don’t produce many players in the mould of an Alex Lowry. Rangers need to do what they can to provide him the best opportunity to make it. If he doesn’t take the chance, then move on, but until then, the boy needs to play.
What do you think about Alex Lowry? How do you see his future at Ibrox?
Definitely a special talent,sees things early that a lot of players don’t possess. I‘ve seen him first hand in B team games and he has ran the show.I know it’s a massive jump in class to the first team.So if he works hard,shows the right attitude and learns as he goes along,he’s certainly got a bright future.