There is no denying that Rangers had a fruitful summer transfer window, but their midfield remains an area still devoid of experience. Scott Arfield was expected to provide that, but he has mad a slow start to his career at Ibrox. Maybe Steven Gerrard can once again go back to a former employee to add some steel and experience to his side, by bringing in Southampton’s Steven Davis. It has been a season of homecomings as the Gers brought in the likes of Allan McGregor and Kyle Lafferty, both of who have had previous stints with the Glaswegian giants. Maybe in January, Gerrard can once again turn towards another one of the former Ibrox players.
Davis moved to Southampton when the Gers went insolvent, which turned the midfielder into a free agent. Since then, the 33-year-old has slowly gone up the ranks at St. Mary’s, making some critical appearances. But he has struggled to get in the first team this season, even as he remains the official club captain. His only appearance this season has come in the Carabao Cup tie, and it seems like Mark Hughes is going to use him sporadically this season.
What might further fuel his return is that he is already in the last year of his contract and the Saints might look to sell him in January, to avoid losing him as a free agent next summer. Davis was a popular figure when he was at Ibrox as he was part of the Gers side that won three consecutive league titles. In June, Sky Sports sources reported that Rangers were keen on bringing him back in the summer, but the move didn’t materialise at that time.
So does he makes a case for himself? We think so. The Teddy Bears have lacked a leader, someone with grit in midfield so far. In the derby against the Hoops, it was clear that the gulf between the two sides was in the midfield. The likes of Ryan Jack and Ovie Ejaria were running around in circles as Scott Brown, and Olivier Ntcham called the shots at Celtic Park.
Gerrard made some quality additions to the squad in the summer but having an experienced leader in the midfield could make a huge difference. We have already seen how good the signings of Lafferty and McGregor have turned out so far and a move for Davis in January could only make them stronger.
Yes, he might not be on the right side of the thirties as he is going to be 34 soon, but the Gers would have someone who knows what it is like to win titles and how to come out as winners from tight situations. So if they get a chance, Rangers should look to bring Davis back to Glasgow.
