Rangers would have hoped to challenge Celtic in a much better fashion after the winter break, but instead, they dropped crucial points. Even with Brendan Rodgers gone, the Hoops should have enough cushion to see out the Premiership title as they are currently 8 points ahead of Rangers in the title race. Therefore it would be back to the drawing board for Rangers next season as they try to stop Celtic’s reign in the Premiership.
One player Rangers would need to stop Celtic is Ryan Kent, and there should not be any doubt that Steven Gerrard would try everything in his means to lure the English winger to Ibrox on a permanent basis. The Liverpool loanee started off life slowly at the Ibrox as he struggled initially but got better as the season went on.
Kent’s highlight was his performance against Celtic where he helped his side beat their arch-rivals for the first time since 2012. Ever since, the 22-year-old has become the darling of the Gers’ fans. There cannot be any doubt that they would welcome him with open arms next season.
Kent has expressed (not for the first time) how happy he is at Glasgow and indicated that he wants a permanent move. He was quoted as saying (The Scottish Sun), ”I don’t know what’s happening yet (On the permanent move to Rangers). I just need to wait and see at the end of the season.
”It’s a conversation for Rangers and Liverpool to have if they want to. I’m loving my time at Rangers. I have a lot of confidence in playing in this team. The manager and I have a good relationship and I enjoy working with him.”
One of the factors the winger has improved upon in the last few months is his decision making in the final third. Kent always had that pace and trickery to go past defenders but what was lacking was his ability to finish off moves and pick out the right ball in the final third. That is where the Liverpool loanee has improved the most in the past few months as he has been getting some goals and assists to his name.
However, it is clear that he is not yet playing at his full potential and there is a more considerable ceiling to his performance level. Given the talent Liverpool have at their disposal, we don’t think he would be able to break into their starting eleven anytime soon. Gerrard should have an edge over signing him given his relationship with the English club.
