According to the reports from the Sun as cited by Lancashire Post, Rangers have continued to remain keen on Wigan Atheltic’s playmaker Nick Powell. Rangers were linked with the former Manchester United man in January as well, but nothing materialised at that time.
The English midfielder is currently in the final few months of his contract and is going to be available on a free transfer in the summer. Steven Gerrard in November last year claimed that signing a no. 10 was going to be his priority, but Rangers were unable to get their hands on an any outright no. 10 in January.
Gerrard was quoted as saying, ”We have those (creative) players here but what we haven’t got is a natural No10, someone who is described as No10 and that’s his job. So maybe in the future that might be an area we might look at.”
Why Rangers Need a No. 10?
Rangers have often struggled to open up defences against sides who like to sit back and defend in numbers. They have dominated the proceedings and possession on various occasions but lacked the cutting edge to go past two blocks of five defenders.
Almost all the midfielders Rangers currently have are more suited to play in central areas. They are good at winning the ball, hustling opponents and recycling the possession. However, they often lack the cutting edge and fail in providing the final ball. The Bears have been far too dependent on someone like Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos to create something out of nothing. Therefore a creative and an attacking midfielder is the need of the hour for the Gers.
Why Powell fits the bill perfectly?
Finding an outright no.10 is a bit difficult as there aren’t many around. However, Powell is someone who has been thriving in that role for the Latics for quite some time now. Technically, the former Manchester United midfielder is extremely gifted. So much so that Sir Alex Ferguson touted him to replace Paul Scholes.
Things didn’t turn out that way, but nevertheless, Powell found his level at Wigan. He played a massive role for them last season when they won the League One to get promoted to the Championship. The 25-year-old had managed 15 goals and eight assists in all competitions that season. Even though Wigan are struggling in the Championship currently, Powell has managed six goals and seven assists in 25 games this season.
His ability to find team-mates in tight spaces and his finishing in front of goal, just about makes him a perfect player for Rangers to sign in the upcoming summer transfer market.
