Steven Gerrard working wonders with Rangers
When Rangers completed a loan move for Bournemouth veteran Jermaine Defoe in the summer, it seemed like a safety measure by Steven Gerrard to provide an experienced backup for striker Alfredo Morelos.
The 23-year-old’s influence at the Ibrox has been phenomenal and he has been one of the most crucial players under the former Liverpool star’s guidance. And while he has picked up right where he left off last season, Defoe has undoubtedly outshone him to a certain extent.
At 37, the Englishman’s years of experience in the Premier League is paying off in the Scottish top-flight. The fact that he scored 8 goals and provided 2 assists in 17 league games last season spoke volumes of his calibre as a striker. And he certainly hasn’t disappointed in a Rangers shirt so far.
Despite having an in-form striker like Morelos, who can be a formidable force for the toughest defences in the world, Defoe has certainly carved out a niche for himself.
In 12 Scottish league appearances thus far, he has managed to score 10 goals already. As a matter of fact, he has bagged more goals than Morelos, who has only scored 9 goals and provided one assist thus far.
The veteran Englishman seems to have sparked a reinvigoration as far as his form is concerned and as per a recent report by Football Insider (h/t The Sun), Defoe is even willing to take a pay cut and sign for the Gers on a permanent basis.
Defoe, who currently earns wages in the region of £100,000-a-week, wants to finish his career with the Scottish outfit (h/t The Sun). To be fair, such a decision does make sense for the player as well as Rangers. He is working wonders for Gerrard’s men and the Ibrox-based club are providing a tough fight to arch-rivals Celtic for the top spot in the Scottish Premiership.
At present, both teams are level on points but Neil Lennon and co are ahead due to a superior goal difference.
In spite of coming in as a player supposed to be a mere backup, Defoe has truly proven himself in the top-tier of Scottish football. Gerrard is capable of taking Rangers to greater heights and under him, Defoe certainly has all the tools to fire the club to greater glory.