Rangers’ match against St. Mirren could have gone better for Steven Gerrard’s side. Three points aside, the team’s performance was inadequate. They have put eight goals past St. Mirren in their three meetings prior to this match, so a 1-0 victory was somewhat of a letdown.
But, as stated above, the win was achieved. The single goal was scored by Jermain Defoe who started the match ahead of Alfredo Morelos. While Morelos is quite clearly Gerrard’s number one striker this season, scoring 28 goals in 35 appearances, Defoe was picked ahead of him. And, while the decision to drop Morelos could have likely been in an attempt to rest him, the English forward has more than earned his right to be given a chance to lead the line himself. Defoe has scored 16 goals in 28 appearances during this campaign.
When he scored his goal in the 34th minute, fans were overjoyed. They can’t believe he is able to score goals at the rate he is considering his age of 37.
— Fayez??????? (@Fz_Am10) January 22, 2020
and still scores more than Édouard.
— S??t??e??v??e??n??G?? (@Gxllaxy16) January 22, 2020
Defoe could play until he’s 95 and still score goals
— Dr Zoidberg (@LeeKane77) January 22, 2020
Mental that 37 year old Defoe is the second best striker in Scotland behind Morelos
— Craig Mac (@craig_mxc) January 22, 2020
One of the best finishers we’ve seen at Ibrox since super!
— Toffee Chops™? (@mavio55) January 23, 2020
Should Southgate seriously consider Defoe for the England squad?
Yes
No
One Rangers fan even thinks he has a shot at playing for England in this summer’s Euros.
Defoe for Engerland in the Euros #HeyBaby
— Chaz (@WATPcs4) January 22, 2020
What do we think?
While Defoe, who is valued at £1.58 million (as per Transfermarkt), is not a long term option for Gerrard, he has proven time and time again that he is capable of showing up and performing when needed. While his 16 goals in 28 games statistic is impressive enough, his goals per minute on average is even better. The striker averages a goal every 75 minutes of football this season. Who knows, maybe Gareth Southgate will turn to Defoe in the wake of Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford‘s long term injuries.