Scottish Premiership giants Rangers, over the last few years, have had to do most of their positive work from within the shadow of what has undoubtedly been the strongest team in Scotland for a while now in Celtic. Until Steven Gerrard arrived at the helm at Ibrox last season, it must be conceded that the Celts were simply a cut above. The Parkhead side were completely in the ascendancy for the longest time, and their eight back-to-back league titles all came with a gap of at least nine points separating them from 2nd place.
But over the last two seasons, things have begun to change around Glasgow as Rangers have slowly but steadily started to give Celtic a run for their money.
While it could be argued that a lot of that is down to some of the recruitment, there’s no denying that none of the success they’ve enjoyed over the last couple of years would’ve have been possible without the influence of former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. It can be said without a shadow of the doubt that Rangers’ biggest summer signing was Ryan Kent, and his numbers from this season are a decent indication of what’s to come.
What Does Ryan Kent Add To This Team?
The left-winger had been a member of the Liverpool academy for the longest time before Steven Gerrard used his influence to bring the attacker to Glasgow prior to the start of last season. An excellent dribbler of the ball, Kent can complete most of the passes he attempts successfully, while he is also quite skilled at finishing off good scoring chances. Another attribute that makes Kent stand out from the rest is his willingness to track back and defend.
Often, being the star winger at a ‘big’ club like Rangers can get to the players’ heads, but Kent, unsurprisingly, has managed to keep his head down and go about his business without too much fuss or bother. The former Liverpool man has the uncanny ability to change the course of a game with a single moment, and that was proven on multiple occasions in the league over the last two seasons. Quite pacy and capable of the odd skill to beat a defender, there’s no denying that Kent could be at the Ibrox for a long time to come.
What Impact Has Ryan Kent Made This Season?
Last season, despite only being a loanee at the Ibrox, the winger played in a total of 43 fixtures for the Gers across all competitions – a period during which the Englishman picked up six goals. This time around though his form has dipped a bit.
However, statistically, he achieved decent returns. Despite playing just 32 times until the season was brought to a halt, Kent has picked up a respectable tally of eight goals and four assists across the multiple tournaments. However, his indifferent form was there on display numerous times during the season.
Rangers’ Biggest Summer Signing Was Ryan Kent: Is This Statement Justified?
For starters, the former Liverpool man cost the Gers a relatively hefty amount of money, which resulted in Rangers making him their joint-second most expensive transfer ever, only surpassed by the signing of Tore Andre Flo from Chelsea all those years ago.
Despite not being in the greatest of form, Kent has managed to add a fantastic amount of creativity as well as composure in the wide areas. Alfredo Morelos is the man who usually draws all the plaudits for scoring the goals. Still, even the Colombian himself would likely concede that a lot of the success of the last two seasons wouldn’t have been enjoyed if it wasn’t for the presence of English winger Ryan Kent. All in all, we would say he was a justified signing, and hopefully, we would see a lot more from him next term.
