Eleven summers signings were not enough for Steven Gerrard to snatch a win against famous rivals Celtic at Ibrox prior to the international break. Although it is too early to predict which side are going to win the league, the defeat must be a massive blow for the Bears, that also at home where they were touted as the favourites following their resurgence under the former Liverpool great.
The transfer window is officially slammed shut, but the Gers are still working on a high-profile deal after roping in Ryan Kent on deadline day in a mega-money swoop. Former Juventus ace Claudio Marchisio is a free agent after terminating his contract with Zenit Saint Petersburg, and according to respected journalist Matteo Pedrosi, the Gers are still in the race to rope in the Azzurri star.
#Rangers, #Flamengo e #Monaco i tre club che hanno preso informazioni per Claudio #Marchisio, attualmente svincolato, dopo l’esperienza in Russia allo Zenit. L’ex Juventus ha rifiutato le offerte di #Brescia e #JiangsuSuning. #calciomercato #svincolati
— Matteo Pedrosi (@MatteoPedrosi) September 10, 2019
While Monaco are reportedly (via RMC Sport) favourites to tie down the 33-year-old, Gerrard is yet to give up on Marchisio. And the tweet from Pedrosi must have helped the Rangers faithful shift focus from their derby misery.
Why This Would Be Massive For The Light Blues
Marchisio has won numerous honours during his time in Turin having been progressed through Juventus’ youth ranks. He is a beacon of consistency with 389 senior appearances for The Old Lady in the middle of the park. Many great players have donned the famous Light Blues shirt in their glorious past, but the things have changed in recent years amid unavoidable circumstances.
Gerrard has brought in an array of exciting youngsters as well as experienced individuals. None of them, however, holds the charisma and repute of the Azzurri international.
How He Would Be Utilised If A Deal Is Struck
The Gers have ample options in midfield but lacks the driving power at times in tight contests. A lack of creativity in the centre of the pitch derailed them against the Hoops, and a player of Marchisio’s stature should be able to make things work with his personality, physicality and work ethics.
He is most useful as a free-roaming central midfielder who screens the backline as well as offers presence upfront depending upon the mood of the match. His experience is enormous, and playing at one of Europe’s greatest ever outfits would boost Rangers’ chances of regaining the lost charm.
