Rangers had to be active in the last few hours of the January transfer window after Jermain Defoe suffered a severe injury. The Bears went on to sign Florian Kamberi on loan until the end of the season from Hibernian FC.
Reports from the Scottish Sun on 31st January revealed that Rangers were also eyeing a move for Livingston’s striker Lyndon Dykes. Dykes was seen as an option in the event the Glasgow giants failed to bring in Kamberi. However, as we know, Rangers were able to rope in Kamberi smoothly.
Before the clash against Livingston, Steven Gerrard recently praised Dykes for his performances. The striker has 12 goals and nine assists in all competitions this campaign. Dykes has played a significant role in Livingston’s latest resurgence.
Gerrard praises Dykes
Gerrard recently talked about Livingston and singled out Dykes for praise. The English manager said (Daily Record), “Quite possibly [will they play with players behind the ball] but I still think they’ll carry a threat. They’ve got a forward in-form in Lyndon Dykes who’s having a real good season, who is capable of playing in the air or on the floor, he’s quite dangerous.”
Should Gerrard consider Dykes in the summer?
Dykes was seen as an emergency option in January, so many might feel that Rangers will probably not go for him in the future. However, one cannot ignore Dykes’ latest performances. We believe if Kamberi fails to impress, then the gaffer should consider Dykes again.
Moreover, Dykes is someone who can bring something else at Ibrox. Rangers often become one dimensional while going forward, and they have found it hard to open up teams that sit back and defend in a low block. Jermain Defoe and Alfredo Morelos are similar in stature. When Rangers struggle to find an opening, they often throw crosses in the box, but neither of Morelos or Defoe possesses the aerial threat.
Lyndon Dykes can be some sort of a plan B for the gaffer when things don’t get going for his side. The Australian born forward is known for his physicality and aerial threat, and he will add something different to the team. The 24-year-old is also in his prime, and he has proven himself in the Premiership in just over a year. The striker also showcases decent finishing ability as he seems to have the natural instinct in front of goal. Rangers can take a more direct approach with him playing up top.
Gerrard clearly likes him as he termed him as dangerous and we believe he would be worth considering as a backup even in the summer. However, Kamberi seems to be ahead in the pecking order as he was Rangers’ preferred option in January. If he goes on to deliver the goods, then Kamberi’s move might be made permanent by the Bears. But Dykes is someone they should keep an eye on.
