The ‘will-he, won’t-he?‘ saga over Martin Skrtel’s proposed transfer to Rangers continues to rumble on.

Some sources state that the Slovakian defender isn’t wanted by new Gers gaffer Steven Gerrard, while others are reporting that he’s very keen to bring his former Liverpool teammate to Ibrox.

Quotes in the media from Skrtel’s agent say that he’s keen on a move to Glasgow but serious issues still need to be ironed out:

“Rangers are interested in Martin. I personally talked to Steven Gerrard about this possibility.”

“Martin has sincerely said it would be an honour for him to play under Steven’s direction for three years. There are, however, complex financial matters. They are terribly far apart.”

If Mr Csonto (Skrtel’s agent) is telling the truth, then it would be a similar signing to one of the first that Brendan Rodgers made at Celtic.

When Rodgers arrived at Parkhead in the summer of 2016, he identified that he needed an experienced defender to come in and help shore up the backline. He decided to bring in veteran centre-back Kolo Toure. The Ivorian might have only played in seventeen games but his influence both on and off the park was greatly appreciated by both his manager and his teammates.

He was a leader; who had played in big international tournaments, top games in the English Premier League and in important Champions League ties. He instantly commanded respect and nothing really fazed him in the Scottish Premiership as he helped the Hoops to the treble in 2017.

His influence was so great that when he retired Brendan Rodgers offered him a coaching role, which he accepted.

For Gerrard, Martin Skrtel would offer similar qualities to his new look Rangers defence.

While the Gers squad already have a veteran central defender in Bruno Alves, the Portuguese international had a stop start campaign this season in Govan. You’d expect that if they can get Alves off the wage bill, then they’d sanction a move away this summer.

In Skrtel, Steven would have a player that he trusts absolutely. They spent a great deal of their careers together at Anfield and Gerrard will believe that his former teammate will give 100%.

Skrtel is a warrior, a leader and will probably be Gerrard’s voice on the pitch if he signs.

The new Gers manager knows that the defence is his side’s weakest link and like Rodgers he wants someone in there that will command instant respect.

Now it’s a well known fact that most new managerial appointments like to start by building foundations at the back, so that’s why I’d never suggest Gerrard is copying his old gaffer Rodgers but there are other similarities too.

Like Brendan before him, Steven is trying to make the most form his contact book and the loan system. At last count four Liverpool youngsters have been linked with a loan move to Ibrox. Celtic have brought in highly regarded young stars like Patrick Roberts and Charly Musonda during the Rodgers era.

It also looks as though Gerrard will bank on having a Scottish spine in his Gers side, just like the one Celtic currently have.

Again there’s nothing new in these tactics, it’s just interesting to see Gerrard using similar methods to his Celtic counterpart.

The really interesting part will be how many new faces the new Rangers man can bring through the door, how many will be classed successful and if he can close the gap on his former boss.

Posted on May 23rd, 2018 by scott
Filed under: Article