With Alfredo Morelos is getting all the praise for his goal-scoring exploits at the moment, Jermain Defoe’s contribution to Rangers’ success so far this season can’t be understated. He is still the league joint top-scorer, averaging one goal every 56 minutes (BBC).
Some Rangers fans may forget that he still belongs to Bournemouth Football Club. His 18-month loan is almost halfway done. However, it appears, according to Football Insider, that the club would like to sign Defoe to a more long term deal. This has prompted negotiations with Bournemouth over a permanent transfer for the striker.
Is Jermain Defoe's presence an important part of Morelos' success
Yes
No
Keeping the English forward at the club is vital for Rangers. It is true that Morelos is currently Steven Gerrard’s number one choice in the starting lineup, however, we saw on the weekend that he can’t play every minute of every football game. With the Colombian now earning caps for his national side, he won’t have international breaks during the season to rest (transfermarkt.co.uk). Defoe is currently retired from English football. This means that he will be able to step in and fill the void when Morelos isn’t able to play.
It would also provide Morelos with a bit of competition to keep him on form. It is safe to assume that Defoe’s potency in front of goal this season has been one of the factors contributing to Morelos’ form itself. In fact, Defoe has scored more goals per minute in the league Morelos this season (BBC). The 37-year-old’s age is likely the main thing keeping him out of the starting 11.
But it doesn’t take away from what Morelos is doing either. Their situation is almost perfect. The young buck, or buffalo rather, is enjoying a fine run of form in which he can’t seem to stop scoring. But when he needs to rest, there is an even more prolific goal scorer waiting to step into his place. Gerrard will be hopeful that he can keep Defoe at the club so that he can call on him when needed. It is clear, from recent results, that the situation at Rangers Football Club is working just fine.