Rangers left-back Borna Barisic started for Croatia once again in their 1-1 draw against Azerbaijan yesterday. The 26-year-old also played the full 90 minutes of the 4-0 win versus Slovakia on Friday night.
Despite being a regular at international level, the defender is still not a guaranteed starter under Gers boss Steven Gerrard and many fans on Twitter are wondering what the secret is to get the best out of the Croatian:
Great news, can only boost his confidence… katic will be knocking on the senior team next ?
— Bluenose (@Bluenos76574284) 9 September 2019
Gerrard needs to speak to the Croatia coaching team to get the details of how they get the best out of Barisic. He seems an enigma at Ibrox just now.
— DandyInTheGhetto (@Ml19dy76) 9 September 2019
Please don't come back injured ?
— David Caie (@mincepie77) 9 September 2019
Cant wait till he starts too make people eat their words Lucky to have a player of His Quality at Ibrox
— Thomas Tucker Kelly (@TuckerKelly7) 9 September 2019
Great too see borna barisic playing regularly with the world cup finalists. That should add a few million on to his value
— Robert-w.a.t.p (@rangerslad1983) 9 September 2019
Barisic doesn’t deserve this
— Mason Alexander ?? (@Mason10RFC) 9 September 2019
I don't understand how Barisic can start for Croatia i every game but can't get a decent run in the starting 11 for Rangers? ?♂️
— Glenndo (@grwilson1) 9 September 2019
Watching Croatia live..barisic starting as usual
— Gersfan46 (@gersfan46) 9 September 2019
Barisic bombs down that left wing for Croatia
— Beattie (@michaelbeattie_) 9 September 2019
Jon Flanagan started the Old Firm derby but the fullback is predominantly right-footed and the Light Blues missed the balance on the left-hand side that Barisic can provide.
However, the Croatian international is not great defensively and his lack of discipline can let him down at times. Will he ever become a consistent performer for Rangers?
At the moment, it doesn’t look likely but if he can find the consistency he seems to possess when playing for his country, his career at Ibrox may see an upturn.