Rangers have had plenty of standout performers so far this season. Captain James Tavernier, fellow fullback Borna Barisic, centre back Connor Goldson, Scotland international Ryan Jack and wide-man Ryan Kent have all impressed for Steven Gerrard’s men since August.

In recent weeks, it has been Scott Arfield who has stepped up and pushed the Light Blues forward. Arfield has bagged himself four goals in his last five outings, while also creating two assists for teammates. That has taken his season total to eight goals and five assists.

In the past Gers gaffer Gerrard would usually deploy the Canadian internationalist as an attacking threat in a front three, yet since the arrivals of Ianis Hagi and Kemar Roofe we’ve seen Scott playing deeper in midfield. That shows us that Rangers having more strength in depth has seen them improve in this 2020-21 campaign.

That move into the engine-room has given the team another creative force.

I’ve particularly enjoyed Arfield’s late runs into the penalty area when his side have attacked in the oppositions final third. That was very evident during his strong performance against Standard Liege last night in the Europa League (UEFA.com Match Review).

What Scott always seems to get spot on, is the timing of his runs. Just when the opposing defence think they’ve got their backline set up for Gers’ attacks, up pops Scott Arfield with a perfectly timed run into space at the edge of the penalty area. Those runs are just so hard to pick up.

The other attribute I like, and I think Steven Gerrard will enjoy too, is the persistence the midfielder shows. He could have scored twice before he eventually hit the winner last night. Those misses didn’t impact on Arfield’s confidence nor his willingness to keep getting into those dangerous positions. Another player could have went into hiding but the attacking midfielder was rewarded for his continued energy and perseverance with that controlled finish on the sixth third minute.

Scott seems to give his absolute all for his club and his work-rate is always commendable too!

Rangers are extremely hungry in their pursuit of silverware this season and their start to this campaign has been magnificent. They have a very decent lead at the top of The Scottish Premiership (Source SPFL.co.uk) and they’ve made it into the knockout stages of the Europa League with a game to spare.

If the Ibrox club are to realise their dreams this term, then they’ll need players to continue to pick up the baton and keep pushing the team on.

If any of the Rangers squad need an example to follow, then they should definitely checkout Scott Arfield’s recent performances and use that as their yardstick!

Posted on December 4th, 2020 by scott
Filed under: Article