Merson slams Rangers midfield after Europa League loss and backs Röhl to move for ex-Celtic star

Former Arsenal and England midfielder Paul Merson has criticised Rangers’ performance following their 3–0 Europa League defeat to Norwegian side Brann, calling the display “a wake-up call” and singling out the midfield as “nowhere near good enough” for European competition.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, Merson described the loss as “humbling” and said new Rangers manager Danny Röhl must “rip up the script” and rebuild his side with more energy and creativity, even if it means upsetting supporters by targeting a former Celtic player.

“It was a shocker,” Merson said. “The whole midfield disappeared. Brann played through them with ease. It looked like men against boys at times. If you want to compete in Europe, you need legs, bravery and players who want the ball. I didn’t see any of that from Rangers last night.”

The pundit, known for his outspoken views, went on to urge Röhl to be bold in the transfer market and make a move for Ben Doak, the 19-year-old Scottish winger who began his senior career at Celtic before joining Liverpool in 2022. Doak, now with Bournemouth after a loan spell at Middlesbrough, has been attracting attention from several clubs in England and Scotland.

“Ben Doak is exactly what Rangers need,” Merson added. “Forget where he came from, that doesn’t matter. He’s young, fearless and plays without fear. He gets at defenders, he creates chances and he lifts the tempo. Rangers need that injection of energy more than anything right now.”

Doak made just two senior appearances for Celtic before completing his high-profile move to Liverpool. Since then he has developed steadily, gaining valuable first-team experience. His 2024–25 loan spell at Middlesbrough saw him make 24 appearances and score three goals, enough to earn a summer move to AFC Bournemouth, where he has already featured twice in the Premier League.

While the idea of Rangers moving for a player with Celtic roots would be controversial, Merson insists football should be about ability, not allegiances.

“Scottish football has to grow up a bit,” he said. “If you have a talented Scottish lad playing good football, why shouldn’t Rangers go for him? Danny Röhl is a smart coach. If he can convince the board and the fans that Doak fits his system, it could be a brilliant signing.”

Röhl, who took over at Ibrox earlier this month after Philippe Clement’s departure, has been tasked with revitalising a squad that has struggled for consistency. His early matches have shown flashes of progress, but the defeat to Brann has underlined the size of the challenge he faces.

The Norwegian champions were sharper, quicker and more composed in possession, with Rangers failing to control midfield areas or provide service to their forwards. Merson’s comments reflect a growing sense among pundits and supporters that the Glasgow side’s midfield needs a complete overhaul.

“Röhl has to be ruthless,” Merson said. “He has inherited a tired squad. The fans want instant success, but he needs players who fit his style high tempo, pressing and movement. Ben Doak ticks all those boxes.”

Doak’s potential return to Scotland would certainly generate headlines. Having left Celtic at just 16, his departure was seen as a major blow to the club’s academy system. Liverpool moved quickly to secure his signature, and under Jürgen Klopp he made a handful of first-team appearances before being sent on loan for development.

Now, with Premier League experience behind him, Doak is regarded as one of Scotland’s most promising young talents a player capable of bringing dynamism and unpredictability to any side.

Whether Röhl and Rangers would seriously consider such a move remains uncertain, but Merson’s remarks have reignited discussion about the need for fresh Scottish talent to play regularly at the top level.

“If Scotland want to raise their level, players like Doak need to be playing regular top-flight football,” Merson concluded. “He has pace, confidence and hunger. That is exactly what Rangers are missing, and if Röhl is brave enough to make that call, it could change everything.”

As Rangers look to recover from their European disappointment, attention will turn to Röhl’s next steps and whether he is willing to take a gamble that would stir debate across Glasgow.