According to a recent report by The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell (subscription needed), Premiership giants Rangers will need to bring in another goalscoring attacker if they hope to challenge Celtic to the league title next season. Campbell conceded that squad depth isn’t really the main concern for Gerrard going into next season and that it’s the apparent lack of quality in their reserves that has been the main problem. He further went on to say that the difficulty in finding like for like replacements has been an issue as well and that this could be resolved by ‘beefing up’ their scouting network.
Campbell clarified that Rangers need a new goalscoring attacker, who can operate in one of the roles in the front-line. He said, “Rangers need goals from midfield and a goalscoring attacker could be the major difference between finishing first or second. Gerrard prefers to position players on the opposite flank to their preferred foot so that they drive inside as the coaching staff believe this makes them more of a goal threat. They don’t have a lot of space to operate in though as most teams sit deep against them, so any attacking players brought in must possess attributes to break down these teams.”
What Is Rangers’ Current Situation In Attacking Midfield?
The biggest relief for the Ibrox faithful will undoubtedly be the fact that they’ve already secured the sensational signing of Ianis Hagi. In Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo, on paper, they have the necessary depth in that position.
Although this is the case, it’s worth considering though that Steven Gerrard’s side have been dependent on Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe for a majority of their goals. Taking the efforts of their front-two out of the squad would have dire effects, and that’s why they need to add more goals to the midfield to challenge for the title effectively.
Rangers Need A New Goalscoring Attacker: Two Names Steven Gerrard Should Consider
Thomas Robert
The Montpellier academy ace was linked with a switch to Rangers earlier last month, as the move was talked up by Alan Hutton on Football Insider. Son of Newcastle United hero Laurent, Robert is a right-winger by position and is amongst the highest-rated youngsters to come out of the Ligue 1 youth system in recent years. His ability to carry the ball forward while also having the vision to bring teammates into the game could become a priceless asset for Gerrard to utilise next season.
Rayhaan Tulloch
The West Bromwich Albion Starlet was exclusively linked to the Gers by the Scottish Sun last month, with the likes of Brighton and West Ham United also touted to be keen. The 19-year-old’s scoring record in the Premier League 2 proves that he’s exactly the kind of player that Gerrard’s side currently need. Although the forward’s best position is undoubtedly in the number ten role, Tulloch has the quality required to operate on either of the flanks as well.
The Verdict
As good as Thomas Robert could become in the years ahead, it must be conceded that bringing in a player from the French league does come with its risks. Tulloch, on the other hand, already has experience playing in Britain, and would likely be a much more sensible option. Moreover, the fact that the Englishman has scored nine times from 14 PL2 appearances this season and added to his three FA Cup outings for the first-team, this should be enough to convince Gerrard to make a move for the Baggies’ starlet in the summer transfer window.
