Premiership giants Rangers have had what can only be described as a dream start to the league campaign so far. After 15 gameweeks of action already behind us, the Ibrox club find themselves sitting in a comfortable position atop the league table, with a separation of a whopping 11 points between themselves and Celtic in second place. Although that fact alone is sure to be filling Steven Gerrard with lofty hopes about this season, their individual defensive and attacking record must also be taken into consideration.
The Gers have scored a stellar 41 goals in their 15 league matches so far, but the real achievement is their defensive record, which currently reads just three goals conceded. With a goal difference of +38 and yet to lose a single game across all competitions, it’s safe to say that Steven Gerrard’s men are the team to beat in the Premiership. Although the defence line deserves massive credit for their exploits, the attacking acquisitions made in the summer have to be praised as well.
Rangers completed the permanent signings of four different attackers in the summer, namely Ianis Hagi, Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten and Jermain Defoe. Ranking Rangers’ four attacking summer signings based on importance was never going to be an easy task, but we give it a shot anyway. And yes, we are counting Defoe and Hagi in this list.
Ranking Rangers’ Four Attacking Summer Signings:
4. Cedric Itten
The 23-year-old Swiss striker was acquired from St.Gallen on the back of a solid season leading the line for the team. However, considering the number of players that Gerrard has to choose from in the role, his influence for Rangers this season has been quite limited. Not only has he been forced to operate in a wider role than usual, but his overall productivity and development have been rather slow. Irrespective of that though, taking his youthfulness into account as well, there’s no denying that he could come good in the future.
3. Jermain Defoe
The veteran English striker might’ve been higher up on this list a couple of years ago, but at 38, it’s obvious that he doesn’t have the legs to be a regular in the team. Despite this, the Premier League legend has delivered the goods whenever he’s been called into action by Gerrard. There’s no need to even begin questioning the forward’s ability to score goals, as that’s something he’s made an entire livelihood out of for over the last decade. However, with limited playing time on offer, Defoe isn’t the most important player in the team by any stretch.
2. Ianis Hagi
Although the Romanian has seemingly dropped off from the first-team picture of late, it takes nothing away from the quality and finesse that he adds to the team in attack. Now that Rangers are set to feature in the knockout stages of the Europa League, Hagi’s understanding of the European game, and his ability to change games singlehandedly, are sure to come to the fore. The summer signing hasn’t been the preferred winger at the Ibrox for a number of weeks now, but by no stretch does that mean that his presence is not important to the team.
1. Kemar Roofe
The Jamaican striker arrived at the Ibrox to massive cheers from the Rangers fans, and with good reason. Roofe is undoubtedly the best signing they made in the summer, and this is even considering the fact that they strengthened in midfield and defence as well. Arguably a better finisher of the ball than even Alfredo Morelos, the former Leeds United man has already shown what he’s capable of in front of goal. His versatility means that Gerrard can even opt to play him on the flank, alongside another central striker. As long as he’s able to keep himself fit, Roofe is sure to have a key part to play in the team this season.
