Without Alfredo Morelos out of the lineup, Steven Gerrard turned to Jermain Defoe to lead his line against Hearts. Unfortunately for the English manager, the striker was unable to make a serious impact on the game, earning a 3.54/10 rating from the BBC.
After the match, the fans were frustrated with the lack of chances created in the game. Of their 11 shots, just two hit the target. But many Rangers fans admit that, while Defoe was quiet during the match, he was a victim of the team’s system. They don’t believe they can play the same way with Defoe as they do with Morelos.
Coaching staff need to take some of the blame as we were launching high balls to Kent & Defoe and only put Katic forward for the last 60 seconds. If we had put Katic at CF and played Defoe & Kent off him we might have got some breaks.
— Mark McDougall (@noodlesmuirend) January 26, 2020
Defoe is brilliant! However trying to play him the exact same way we play Morelos is incredibly naive
— Stuart (@Stuartg2991) January 26, 2020
That’s the job of the Rangers management and scouts. To find a player that fits the way we play. If not then adapt our formation for when Defoe plays. We need a third striker. My opinion is to get one who fits the way we play and have played well this season.
— scoot (@juker89) January 26, 2020
The problem stems from playing the same balls to Defoe as ye would to Morelos, Alfredo creates a lot for himself and others, him being there masks the lack of creativity from elsewhere, doubled down with Tav missing
— TheFridgeRaider (@AndyAndEva) January 26, 2020
Defoe is fine as a backup but he’s a different type of player than Alfie, we need to support him and supply the ammo which we didn’t do today. We have previously won comfortably without Alfie. Aribo doesn’t play as a winger. Players didn’t turn up for even a 5 minute spell.
— Razza (@The_Razza) January 26, 2020
We have Defoe for that mate. Generally he’s been fine. The problem isn’t Defoe. It’s how we seem to still play like alfredos playing
— The Great Waldo (@ThenNow4evaBlue) January 26, 2020
Can Defoe play in the same system as Morelos?
No
Yes
Others recommend playing Scott Arfield in the number 10 position right behind him.
If Defoe plays we need Arfield close to him.
— Gallus Pioneer … 55 (@Gallus__Pioneer) January 26, 2020
Thinking about the last couple of games. Last season we changed the formation to accommodate Defoe. Current personnel & formation don’t do that. Imo we need Arfield or someone playing almost as a No10 behind him. Otherwise he’s too easily marked and bullied.
— Andy McKellar (@AMcKellar89) January 26, 2020
What do we think?
This time last season Gerrard admitted that the team needed to learn how to play without Morelos in the lineup. Unfortunately for the boss, it doesn’t look like they have been able to do so yet.