Some Rangers fans have been sharing criticism of Steven Davis on social media following Rangers’ 1-0 loss to Hearts in Saturday’s Scottish Cup fixture.
The midfielder started at the base of Rangers’ midfield three in Saturday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final fixture, in a game that saw Hearts keep more of the possession and create more goalscoring opportunities than their opponents. Hearts ultimately prevailed as the victors of Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie as Oliver Bozanic’s 58th-minute opening goal ultimately proved decisive as the only goal of the game.
Some Rangers fans have been singling out the “poor” performance of the Northern Ireland captain, in particular, as a notable negative from Saturday’s fixture, with some fans fearing that the 35-year-old simply may not be “the player he was” anymore. Read the critical posts from some Rangers fans regarding Davis’ recent performances in the tweets below.
Is Steven Davis no longer the player he once was?YES, DAVIS IS PAST IT
NO, DAVIS WILL GET BACK TO HIS BEST
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It’s a joke how poor Steven Davis has been since the winter break.
— West Mids Loyal (@WestMidsLoyal) February 29, 2020
When he first came back he wasn’t the player he was. Then he started getting back to his old self but now he seems to have lost it again
— WEDNESDAYLOYAL1872 (@WEDNESDAYLOYAL1) February 29, 2020
Davis’ Rangers career should be over.
— Jordo (@Jordo______) February 29, 2020
Hes done.
— Convenor (@201Bb123) February 29, 2020
Needs dropped. And I don’t mean dropped for a game then brought straight back in. Needs a few games out.
— Giezpeace (@Giezpeace) February 29, 2020
He’s run out of steam
— Crazy Horse ???? (@glasgowsportsfa) February 29, 2020
He’s been rank rotten
— L33M86 (@L33M86) February 29, 2020
Genuinely scared that’s Steven Davis finished now.
— Fraser ??????? (@fraserm55) February 29, 2020
What do we think?
Following Saturday’s 90 minutes, Davis has now played over 3,000 minutes of football for Rangers this season across all competitions, according to Transfermarkt.co.uk. Only seven members of Rangers’ squad have accumulated a higher total of minutes than the 35-year-old midfielder has accumulated in all club competitions this season.
Throughout his career, Davis has typically played in more advanced midfield roles, operating higher up the pitch in central midfield and attacking midfield positions. However, this season, Davis has generally operated in a deeper, holding midfield role for Rangers.
Davis’ position change may have something to do with finding a suitable role for the 35-year-old, as he ages. Current Rangers manager Steven Gerrard himself began to operate in deeper positions as he reached the latter years of his career, during which he also received criticism. It may be fair to say that Davis’ age and position could be negatively impacting his form at present.