Borna Barisic has been in terrific form in the past two months for Rangers, and he has managed to turn his career around at Ibrox. He struggled with form and injuries in his first season, and he could have quickly fallen off the radar this campaign as well.
Jon Flanagan performed consistently during the end phase of the last season, and he continued to be the first choice fullback even during the starting phase of this season. Barisic’s performance against St. Mirren was the turning point where he scored the only goal of the game through a free-kick, and since then, the Croatian international has put in some consistent performances.
Why should Rangers look to sign this Liverpool ace?
However, it cannot be ignored that Ranger doesn’t have an outright left-back as a backup option. Flanagan is often steady as a left-back, but he hardly offers much while going forward. Hence, Gerrard should look to bring in Liverpool’s youngster Adam Lewis on loan in January to bolster his options at left-back.
Gerrard had worked with Lewis before when he was the coach of Liverpool’s u-18 team. The English manager gave Lewis the captain’s armband as well. Rangers were linked with him last year, but nothing had materialised. It was expected that Lewis might be drafted into Liverpool’s senior team this season, but the fullback hasn’t managed to breakthrough as Klopp has relied on James Milner to be Andy Robertson’s backup option. Hence, it is unlikely that Lewis would get a look into the team this season and Rangers can bring him in January to bolster their options.
Rangers are on the cusp of qualifying in the next round of the Europa League as well, and they would need reasonable squad depth to mount a challenge on every front. An injury to Barisic could really hamper Rangers’ attacking play, and the manager should consider an attack-minded left-back on a short term basis.
Lewis’ strengths
20-year-old Lewis currently plies his trade for Liverpool’s u-23 team. The Englishman is an attack-minded fullback who is exceptionally comfortable with the ball at his feet. He is known for his impressive passing and crossing abilities. He is so good on the ball that he has even played as a midfielder for his side when required.
Defensively, he can hold his own at the back, and Gerrard already has a great connection with the youngster. Lewis can be a proper backup option to Barisic, and we believe that Liverpool could very well sanction this move for a six-month loan as the fullback is unlikely to be involved in the senior team setup this season.
