John Lundstram was the “best on earth” in the eyes of Rangers fans last season as he was rewarded with a terrace chant in an adapted version of Belinda Carlisle’s 1987 hit due to his key role in helping the club reach the Europa League final.
But supporters’ opinions can change very quickly and one disgruntled punter shared a statistic from the Scouser’s time at Ibrox which has left a few fellow fans in shock as he revealed how the midfielder has managed just ONE assist in almost two full seasons.
And even then the 29-year-old set up Cedric Itten for the third goal in a 4-0 Scottish Cup stroll against Stirling Albion in the fourth round last season. That is one assist in 93 games which has raised a few eyebrows but some hit back at criticism, saying his position as a defensive midfielder - and often deployed at centre back - means that they wouldn’t expect much more.
The regular Rangers poster took to Twitter to say: "Here is a stat for all Rangers fans to enjoy. John Lundstram has 1 assist since joining the club. Against Stirling Albion in January 2022 in the SC 4th Round. Almost 100 games. 1 assist. 1.”
One fan responded: “(He’s) always looking to pass sideways or backwards. He’s scored a few goals but only one assist in 100 games shows he lacks the quality to play a killer pass. Cantwell already has a few assist from CM (central midfield) and Raskin has already got himself an assist.”
Others didn’t see it as such a big issue, one saying: “Surprise surprise, a defensive midfielder that sometimes plays centre back doesn’t have many assists.” Another added: “He’s a defensive ball winning midfielder, it’s not his role to create scoring chances.”
Lundstram, though, has netted nine times and of course scored that unforgettable goal against RB Leipzig at Ibrox to send Rangers to Seville. He was quizzed on his future with the free signing from Sheffield United’s contract due to expire in the summer of 2024.
He said after the weekend win over St Mirren: "I'd love to stay here for as long as the club wants me but there's nothing at the minute. I love the club and have never shied away from that. I'd love to stay but there's nothing."
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