The regime change at the Ibrox Stadium has set Rangers FC fans up for an exciting 2018/19 season. Steven Gerrard has taken over from Graeme Murty in the managerial seat to turn the club into a breeding ground for young talents. The former England captain already signed 7 players to the squad and is constantly looking to raid the Liverpool youth ranks by making use of his Anfield connection.
He has heaped pressure on the players by demanding the very best out of them. Three of his summer signings were on the scoresheet in the 6-0 win over Bury on Friday. The 38-year-old was quoted, “The players have to be ready for the pressure and responsibility of being a Rangers player. If you can’t handle it, then you’re at the wrong place. It’s difficult for me to ask for patience (with supporters). These fans, they deserve better and want better.”
Maybe the Gers boss was taking a shot at Murty, who could have stopped the side from plummeting to an embarrassing finish in the 2017/18 campaign. Losing to their bitter rivals Celtic by 5 goals to nil is not a great advertisement of the Scottish Premiership and is particularly not a good look on the club’s future ambitions.
Clearly, there needed to be a tectonic shift in the Light Blues’ operations in order to return to title-winning ways. Gerrard still has to prove himself in the managerial chair but so far the Gers faithful can be pleased with the Englishman’s work.
Just like the framework Brendan Rodgers has set up at Celtic, Gerrard can emulate the same game plan to better match the talent pool of the Glasgow rivals. Bringing in promising youngsters from Premier League or Championship clubs are a certain way to great dividends without much risk.
Here are a few players Gerrard should consider.
Hachim Mastour
If you have followed the freestyle football scene over the past few years, you are bound to have come across a video featuring this Moroccan footballer. At 14, he was voted as one of the world’s best talents and was signed by AC Milan. He made a senior team appearance for the club when he was just 15 next to the likes of Clarence Seedorf and Filippo Inzaghi.
However, things have turned foul in his career and he is currently in the market as a free agent. Maybe a move to the Ibrox will be able to reignite his career.
Rafa Mir
Now that Leo Bonatini has made his move permanent to the Molineux and with Raul Jimenez also arriving on a loan agreement, Rafa Mir might not get to feature much under Nuno Santo next term. Maybe a spell away with the Gers could help him continue his development.
Read More: Rangers Have Advantage Over Celtic In The Race For Liverpool Winger: Coup For Gerrard?
Fousseni Diabate
The 22-year-old is not exactly heavily favoured by Claude Puel at Leicester City but still has a 4-year long contract. He operates from the attacking midfield position and has made just 16 appearances for the Foxes senior team.
