(Credit: Imago)

Ben Palmer

Thu 21 August 2025 18:12, UK

Russell Martin is relying on two players to be the “key” to Rangers’ title push this season.

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That is according to former Southampton and England star Matt Le Tissier, who gave his assessment of the former Saints boss’ tactics to Football Insider exclusively.

Martin’s inflexible tactical approach was a source of frustration for fans of the South Coast side last season, as the manager stuck to a possession-based style, even when results suggested a different set-up might be necessary.

This led to the Englishman being let go by the Saints midway through last season, and they eventually finished 20th in the Premier League with just 12 points.

Martin was then appointed to lead Rangers into the new Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises era, a move which seemed to make sense tactically as the Gers are a big fish in a small pond.

But the Bears have gotten off to a shaky start, drawing both their opening games in the Premiership, and they are on the brink of elimination from the Champions League after Club Brugge won 3-1 in the first leg of their qualification game at Ibrox.

Rangers are yet to win a league game under Russell Martin.

(Credit: Imago)

This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.

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Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, Le Tissier spoke about new Rangers signings Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman, highlighting the duo’s electric pace as a necessity to Martin’s system finding success.

He said: “I think that one of the key things when you’ve got a team that likes to play the way that Russell Martin does, is I think you’ve got to have players up front that can worry teams in behind.

Oliver Antman enjoyed a fantastic Rangers debut but has slowed down since then.

(Credit: Manh Tung – Breaking Media)

“I think if you’ve got that pace, you then tend to find that the opposition will just back off a little bit and will allow the space for the way that Russell Martin wants to play.

“It’s key to have that kind of pace in your team, and he’s obviously worked that out.

“I just hope we see a much closer title race in Scotland this year.”

Speaking previously to Football Insider, Le Tissier tipped Cyriel Dessers to win the Player of the Year award this season.

The Nigeria international led the SPFL’s scoring charts last year, although he is often linked with a move away from Ibrox.

Cyriel Dessers has been tipped for the Player of the Year award.

(Credit: Imago)

Dessers has also been forced to rotate with Danilo and Hamza Igamane at the start of this season.

The 30-year-old has scored once in his first six games under Martin, and his boss will be desperate for his striker to find his shooting boots soon, with pressure already beginning to ramp up.

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