Rangers are back in the title hunt after years of anguish. They had a busy summer with multiple incomings and have already made a few deals in this winter window. Steven Gerrard has focused on enhancing the quality as well as the depth of the squad but, at the same time, should have focused on one particular slot that lacks expertise.
From goalkeeper to centre-forward, the Gers have enough alternatives to leave a mark from the bench barring the ‘number 10’ spot. They do not have a specialist midfield attacker or playmaker capable of offering creativity from a central role. The gaffer has tried out Scott Arfield in a free role in front of a double pivot, but the versatile Canadian could not offer a steady impact despite being one of their most high-profile summer signings.
Rangers, meanwhile, were linked with a move for Nick Powell according to the Scottish Sun, but the talks seem to have cooled down with no progress made in the past few days. The attacking midfielder is currently featuring for Wigan Athletic in the English Championship having left Manchester United on a Bosman transfer back in the summer of 2016. But the 24-year-old attacker would be a free agent at the end of the ongoing term.
Powell was instrumental for the Latics last season scoring 15 times in the English League One. His form guided them to an immediate Championship return which subsequently earned him a nomination for the EFL League One Player of the Season reward.
The player, meanwhile, has appeared 18 times in the league this term netting and assisting four times each but is sidelined for a couple of months now after sustaining a calf injury. Wigan are struggling at the wrong end of the Championship standings and Paul Cook, the Latics boss, must be rooting for his speedy recovery to revive their campaign.
Powell was once hailed as one of the most promising prospects of English football while representing his nation in several youth ranks. His form declined a bit of late, but the quality he holds needs to be adequately channelised before it gets too late. His astounding dribbling, shooting and set-piece traits are a few of his key attributes. However, his fitness and lack of work ethics have often been criticised and cited as the prime reason for his underachievement despite being a gifted talent.
There is not much time left before the winter window is slammed shut, but Gerrard should focus on strengthening the ‘number 10’ slot and tying down Powell on a pre-contract won’t be a bad idea considering his quality and ability to flourish in the Scottish environment.
