As far as new signings go, Jack Butland has had as good a start to his Rangers career as any goalkeeper I can remember. The 30-year-old came into the club barely having played any football over the previous few seasons. That’s where there was doubt for Rangers fans.
We’re talking about a goalkeeper with EPL experience who was an England international. That being said, would he still be able to perform at the same level having spent so long on the bench?
It hasn’t taken him long to prove he’s a more than worthy successor to Allan McGregor. He’s already made multiple saves at important times in matches which has helped Rangers secure points. He also speaks very well in pressers and seems like a great dressing room presence.
The start to his Rangers career has been very positive and long may it continue.
The Numbers
These were Jack Butland stats against Motherwell;
- 89 Minutes Played
- Clean Sheet
- 3 Saves (2 inside the box)
- 2 High Claims
- 79% Pass Accuracy
- 56% Long Ball Accuracy (9/16)
- 12 Recoveries
Only 3 saves made in the entire game, however, the one towards the end of the game kept it at 1-0. Rangers should never have been in a position to drop points but if it wasn’t for Butland, it may have ended a draw.
The Eye Test
Having a goalkeeper who’s good at kicking the ball is huge. It sounds like such a basic thing but, especially towards the end of his career, Allan McGregor really struggled kicking the ball long. Butland can do it with either foot and there isn’t the same nervousness within the fans when the ball goes back to him.
He’s very confident and seems like a great leader. You can see that from being in the stands and even watching it on the TV. It’s clear he has high standards for the players in front of him as, when Rangers turned the ball over in the first half and Motherwell got a shot away, he was running out screaming at the players.
He’s shown incredible passion and a great ability to organise the defence. It was a worry after McGregor left that the next goalkeeper wouldn’t have that same commanding personality. However, Jack Butland oozes the qualities it takes to be a Rangers goalkeeper. He stands up tall, leads by example and is a great shot stopper. It seems the club are in safe hands with the former England international.
Jack Butland’s Season so Far
in 6 SPFL appearances, he has kept 4 clean sheets, all in games that Rangers have won. In the other games, he’s conceded one each time, neither of which can be blamed on him. Across those 6 league appearances, these are his stats;
- 4 Clean Sheets
- 0.3 Goals Conceded Per Game
- 87% Save Rate
- 78% Pass Accuracy
- 41% Long Ball Accuracy (4.7 Per Game)
The Rangers stopper hasn’t only impressed with his shot stopping skills. His willingness to come off of his line is a far cry from what fans experienced with Allan McGregor. The legendary goalie was very unwilling to rush off of his line and coke for crosses.
That isn’t an issue with Butland though, he’s confident in his ability to claim high balls. He also positions himself well and is quick off of his line.
Conclusion
Fans have really taken to Jack Butland in his short time at Ibrox. Whether that be from his on-field saving heroics, to how impressively he speaks to the press or because of his passion on the pitch. He already seems to be a fan favourite.
How impressed have you been by the Englishman so far? Is he your signing of the summer?
Do you think he’s on the way to be another great Rangers goalkeeper?
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ICYMI check out yesterday’s article on Cyriel Dessers here.
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