Going on top of the table right before the international break is probably the best of time as one can enjoy their stay on top for a few extra weeks. Barring the Old Firm derby loss, Rangers have been impressive in the Premiership so far.
Gerrard has two fit and firing strikers in Jermain Defoe and Alfredo Morelos, and both of them must have made the manager’s life more comfortable as he can rotate between the two. Defoe, who will be out of contract next summer, is likely to be handed a new deal as indicated by Gerrard. The veteran Englishman has been in terrific form, and he is currently the top scorer in the Premiership.
Gerrard praises Defoe
The English manager recently talked about Defoe’s future and said (The Scotsman), ”If he stays in the form he’s in then, of course, I would want him around here for as long as possible, it’s definitely something that’s on all our minds as a staff and a club. He’s in terrific form. ”
The manager also praised the work which he is doing on the training ground. Gerrard said, ”He’s got time to help the younger lads, to guide them in the right way, to talk about his own experiences. When we always take academy players over, the No 9s and those in similar positions to him, he’s always got his arm around them, and he stays behind, gives his own time up to coach them without any push from ourselves.”
When asked whether Defoe could be offered a player plus coach deal next summer, the manager said, ”We are open to that side of Jermain.”
New deal for Defoe: A no brainer for Gerrard
It’s clear that Defoe has had a terrific impact on and off the pitch for Rangers and Gerrard seems to be a big fan of what he is providing at Ibrox. The gaffer also talked about his unparallel hunger for goals and compared that from when he was 22-23.
Often experienced and veteran players at this stage of their career look for some final paychecks but Defoe has taken professionalism to another level. He still seems fit as a fiddle and can probably carry on for a few more years even though he is 37. A player like him is also a significant help to the manager off the pitch. Who knows Defoe might have had a role to play in mellowing down Morelos this season as he has looked lot calmer on the pitch.
As things stand, the veteran forward deserves a new contract at Rangers, and if he’s open to coaching as well, then we don’t think that Gerrard would stop him from doing that. However, Defoe still has a lot to offer on the pitch, and maybe the coaching role could wait for a year or two.
