Although Leeds United and Aston Villa hold firm interest in Ryan Kent, Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is unfazed by the rumours. He rather demands more from his prized asset who has been highly inconsistent of late. Meanwhile, his current contract expires next summer and a potential January exit could be sanctioned by the Gers over losing him for nothing at the closure of the ongoing campaign.
Having said that, the immediate focus is on resurrecting the season after a mixed start across competitions. The Light Blues have lost all three Champions League outings, whereas the lack of rhythm in the Premiership has refrained them from cementing the top-of-the-table spot ahead of Celtic. They were beaten 4-0 in the Old Firm clash and the 25-year-old Englishman was thoroughly disappointing while operating from the left-hand flank.
Kent must regain his form irrespective of his future and the Dutch boss has admitted that the attacker needs to ‘bring more’ in order to justify his talent high up the pitch.
“I know his qualities and they haven’t been there every game. He needs to be consistent and give himself the best positions on the pitch to be dangerous and have an assist or score the chances he creates himself.”
Told the gaffer (as quoted by the Daily Record) during his press conference before locking horns with St. Mirren.
Why The Rangers Boss Demands More From Kent
Kent finally found the net last weekend in their thumping victory versus Hearts. But his numbers are underwhelming this term, particularly due to poor decision-making in the final third. His finishing has not been up to the mark and the conversion rate, therefore, is below par despite creating ample chances with his pace and flair. He registered 19 assists last season but only fired three times in 46 games across competitions. His stats might go even worse unless he steps up the show in due course of time.
The former Liverpool prodigy joined Rangers on permanent terms during Steven Gerrard’s regime. A successful loan stint earned him a £6.5m transfer back in the summer of 2019 and the forward has so far appeared 186 times for the Glasgow giants. The Gers have secured the services of Fashion Sakala, Scott Wright and Rabbi Matondo in the recent past. None of them has managed to replace him down the left, however, the lack of impact might cost him his starting status even if he is retained for the remainder of the campaign.