It appears as if Steven Gerrard is not interested in giving Greg Docherty a chance to prove himself in games. During a Q&A, Jordan Campbell from the Athletic insisted that Docherty’s chance isn’t coming because he just doesn’t suit the manager’s preferences. Despite this, Docherty continues to work hard for his spot in training.
“I think it’s simply a case of Gerrard not fancying Docherty. He still trains like a demon,” said Campbell when asked about the player’s lack of game time (The Athletic).
But perhaps Docherty could be the answer to Gerrard’s problems? He hasn’t played many games this season, but maybe the statistics from those games paint a bigger picture regarding what the player can offer the gaffer.
TIF Tactics – Why Gerrard should take a chance on Docherty
Just a few days ago, Rangers admitted that Ryan Jack could face a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury against Hearts on the weekend. The player’s absence could be a massive blow to Gerrard and his Gers but does provide Docherty with an opening.
The reason Docherty could be such a valuable asset to Rangers is his record in assisting goals. He has assisted three goals during his six outings in a Gers shirt this season. But despite playing six games, he has only seen 261 minutes of football, with his last appearance coming back in September of 2019. This averages out to just under three 90 minute games of football. He is averaging around an assist every 90 minutes, a record that is hugely impressive.
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Rangers are crying out for a midfielder who can produce assists from the middle of the park. Rangers’ top assisting central midfielder is Joe Aribo, with eight, but the player has recorded some of those while playing at right-wing. After that, Scott Arfield has the next highest number with five. In such a short number of minutes, Docherty is just two assists behind Arfield already.
It must be said, however, that Docherty’s three assists all came against St. Joseph’s FC during their 6-0 win earlier in the season. But this shouldn’t take away from the fact that Docherty has the ability to produce goal-scoring moments. Those goals were assisted in a 67-minute appearance, showing the player’s ability to leave an imprint on a game.
Why Gerrard is choosing to sit Docherty out is still unknown, despite Campbell’s best guesses. Fans will be hoping that, if given the chance, Docherty’s demon-like work ethic in training will be evident on the pitch.