The Bears are the champions of Scotland after decade-long despair. They now need to stay unbeaten in five more games to become ‘invincibles’ but, at the same time, must start preparing for the upcoming campaign to celebrate the return of Champions League football at Ibrox. Steven Gerrard is expected to undergo yet another busy summer, however, the decision of handing veteran Rangers midfielder Steven Davis a new contract deserves appreciation.
The 36-year-old Northern Irishman is enjoying an exquisite second stint following his return to Govan a couple of years ago. He has been omnipresent this term in the middle of the park with 41 appearances so far across competitions. The Gers are going through the congestion of fixtures, but the midfield maestro managed to stay fit and fresh week in week out and exhibited his sheer physical and technical ability from the deep-lying role.
An astounding 124 Northern Ireland appearances remain an all-time record and the Rangers ace is still going strong for both club and country despite being in his late thirties.
“It is a privilege to play at Rangers and I’m proud to continue for another season. I’m really excited for the future and to hear the famous Champions League music at Ibrox once again.”
Said the Rangers midfielder [as quoted by the Daily Record] who is raring to go next season and emulate the success of 2020-21.
Why Rangers Should Still Bolster Themselves In The Middle Of The Park
The Light Blues, however, must focus on a few things as well. Ryan Jack had an injury-ravaged season and the services of Davis never let Gerrard feel the Scotsman’s absence. But the gaffer should inject more depth in central midfield with Bongani Zungu failing to grab the opportunity of securing a permanent move from Amiens SC. Nnamdi Ofoborh is too young to secure a starting status soon after joining the squad in the upcoming summer window and the likes of Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara should not be trusted in the deep considering their involvement in and around the attacking third.
In spite of enduring a disappointing exit, the Gers have enough reasons to be proud of their Europa League run. However, the Champions League is a different ball game and the quality is much higher for obvious reasons. The pandemic has made the financial climate unstable and it is to be seen now how the champions react in the transfer market to upgrade the squad furthermore.
