Kris Boyd expressed shock at the shortcomings of Rangers’ attacking lineup as the team’s form crumbled, allowing Celtic to seize the advantage in the title race. In his recent column for the Scottish Sun, Boyd singled out five Rangers forwards whom he believes have fallen short, while giving Abdallah Sima a pass due to his extended absence from injury.

Following Rangers’ recent drop of five points in matches against Ross County and Dundee, Boyd placed the blame squarely on high-profile loanee Fabio Silva and Old Firm derby hero Rabbi Matondo. Boyd criticized Silva for not living up to his hefty price tag and wages, highlighting his lack of readiness and Matondo for his wayward finishing.

Boyd discussed the lack of creativity in Rangers’ offensive play and questioned the effectiveness of players like Todd Cantwell and Tom Lawrence. He also reiterated his doubts about Cyriel Dessers’ suitability as the team’s main striker and criticized Matondo’s accuracy in front of goal.

Just a few weeks ago, Silva and Dessers received praise for their performances up front in the absence of a new striker signing in January. However, as Rangers’ form dipped, their contributions became insufficient. Dessers, despite showing promise, may only serve as a backup option due to a mixture of injuries and recruitment missteps. Silva, initially brought in as a forward, has shown glimpses of quality but struggled to make a significant impact.

Matondo, who previously showcased his scoring abilities, has faced limited opportunities under the current setup. With multiple arrivals at the club failing to consistently perform, including Ross McCausland, there are calls for changes to the lineup to address the team’s attacking woes.

The playmaker position, designated as number 10, presents a significant challenge within the team structure. Cantwell emerged as a standout player for Michael Beale’s squad in the previous term, indicating a positive trajectory for the season. However, his form dipped during the early struggles of the current season, leading to doubts about his standing with Clement, who never seemed to fully appreciate his abilities despite the initial controversies surrounding his substitution in the early matches.

In recent times, Lawrence has been the preferred choice, though his undeniable talent has not yielded a consistent impact due to a string of injuries and inconsistent performances akin to Matondo. While each of these players possesses the potential for excellence on their best days, none have single-handedly altered the course of a game for Rangers. With the summer approaching, Clement faces crucial decisions regarding the team’s lineup and strategies.