New Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has taken his squad to Spain as they continue their preseason training in the Mediterranean heat.

The new Gers gaffer has already stated that he expects a fitter Rangers team next season and he’s also strengthened his defence during the current transfer window. He knows that a strong spine is extremely important, especially if they seriously want to cut the gap between themselves and Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

Interestingly, Gerrard also took time to compliment Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos:

“We love the player. The fans love the player. He’s a goal scorer. We know what he can add to this team and squad.

“If you’re asking me if his head has been turned that’s a question you’d have to ask the player himself.

“But where we stand right now he’s a Rangers player and I’m delighted to have him.”

The second sentence alludes to persistent reports linking Morelos with a move to China or Turkey.

I can definitely see why Gerrard and his coaching team would take to Alfredo. The hitman’s a goalscorer first and foremost, he topped the club’s scoring charts during his debut season with eighteen strikes to his name.

The forward is a very passionate player, he’s an instinctive finisher and a fiery character. Those are qualities that Gerrard will certainly admire in a forward.

The Colombian only turns twenty-two later this month, and you’ve got to believe that he’ll only get better after getting used to the Scottish game last term. I’d expect him to score more next term, if he stays on at Ibrox.

Now opposition fans and defenders have been quick to laugh at or wind-up the striker.

Celtic fans in particular scoff at any rumours linking Morelos with a big money move. They’ve seen him miss a few sitters against the Hoops last term and don’t think he’s up to much.

While it’s true, he did miss some very good chances against his team’s foes, we shouldn’t forget that he kept getting into the right positions. Next season will offer him more opportunities against the Parkhead side and I, for one, doubt he’ll miss the same amount of chances if they were to fall his way again.

Opponents also know the young forward has a short fuse. They come in hard on the Colombian and get into his face. The new Gers management team need to try and curb his temper and get him to channel his anger into getting his own back via him hitting the back of the net.

You could tell that those misses started to bother Morelos towards the end of the last campaign. It’s important that Steven Gerrard and his coaching staff rebuilds the youngster’s confidence. The quicker he can get back amongst the goals the better for everyone involved.

I truly believe that Rangers haven’t seen the best of Alfredo Morelos yet and they’ll see more from him if he stays around next term.

It seems like Gerrard agrees and that could prove vital in keeping the forward happy amidst any potential interest.

Posted on June 19th, 2018 by scott
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