As confidence continues to soar at Ibrox, can Alfredo Morelos surprise supporters and have a breakthrough campaign?
The Colombian has been much-maligned since arriving in Govan last season. After an inconsistent year under Pedro Caixinha and Graeme Murty, fans weren’t overly-keen on the then 21-year-old.
Even at the start of the season after the Shkupi tie, Morelos was getting it in the neck from supporters. His finishing wasn’t up to par and he apparently wasn’t giving his all for the cause.
Fast-forward a few weeks and he’s back in the good books again. Strikes against NK Osijek, Maribor, and St Mirren has supporters showering him with the praise he deserves. An unfortunate red card at Pittodrie aside, Morelos has been a vital component to Steven Gerrard’s fast Rangers start.
And it’s all pointing to Morelos having a fine campaign under Gerrard in what could be a breakthrough year for him.
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His finishing, particularly domestically, is second to none. Morelos has the ability to net against anyone in the country consistently, although there are demons he must put to bed.
For Rangers fans to truly trust the Colombian, he must net against Celtic at least twice this season. A plethora of embarrassing misses last term meant Morelos was a laughing stock to the Celtic support. However, he has the ability to shut them up if he can screw his head on straight. This has been proven after bullying Dedryck Boyata back in March, when Rangers ultimately lost out 3-2 at home.
Ridding himself of that particular demon will go a long way to cementing his adulation with the Rangers support. And in order to do that, he must start the season with a bit of fire, which he has done.
Every time the forward gets into a shooting position, he buries the chance. This ruthless streak is exactly what fans knew he was capable of, but just wanted to see it from him last season.
His goal in the 2-0 win against St Mirren at Ibrox yesterday was exactly what Morelos should be all about. Closing down the opposition through hard work and punishing the error when it comes. This is something we didn’t see enough of last season.
There’s a belief and swagger to the front-man these days. His confidence is soaring and the net is rippling.
If Gerrard can continue to get the best out of Morelos, then there’s just no telling where this season could lead. He remains the most clinical finisher in the country at the moment, and with the chances Rangers are creating, that spells bad news for the rest of Scotland.
Can Alfredo Morelos have a breakthrough year? Undoubtedly is the answer.