OPINION
Steven Gerrard must show his leadership by coming down hard on striker Alfredo Morelos after a moment that could have cost his club dearly in their Europa League qualifier against Shkupi.
Rangers won the game 2-0 thanks to a late, late penalty that was converted by James Tavernier in injury time.
However, Sky Sports journalist Andrew Dickson slammed Morelos after the game.
He praised new boy Goldson, who he said looked like a good new addition, but said that Morelos “frustrates” and said that he was daft to make a head-butting motion, despite not making contact.
Like the look of Goldson, seems to be a good addition. Candeias doesn't really work in a central three. Windass still got a bit to go. Morelos frustrates and needs to control that head of his when he's in close proximity to opponents. Didn't headbutt but daft to make the motion.
— Andrew Dickson (@mrandrewdickson) July 12, 2018
Morelos didn’t have a good game last night and Rangers were lucky they ended up with a 2-0 cushion to take to the away leg. A win’s a win, but it could have been costly because of Morelos.
And after a pretty horrific disciplinary record, the 22-year-old striker really needs to be taken in hand by Steven Gerrard and given a stern talking to.
Morelos is a striker, let’s not forget, not a centre-back who’s called on to deliver bone-crunching challenges.
He picked up 10 bookings in 62 games for former club HJK Helsinki and has 13 in 44 games for Rangers. That’s almost one every three games, which is simply unacceptable for a striker.
Rangers have key Europa League qualifiers coming up which could make or break the season, and some tough Old Firm derbies where the media spotlight will be on and the pressure massive.
Gerrard needs players to keep a cool head and play the game the way he’s instructed.
He doesn’t need hotheads who are as likely to get booked or even sent off than score.
Morelos must buck his ideas up quickly or risk the wrath of the new manager.