Alfredo Morelos might be the talk of Scottish football at the moment, but how is he perceived in his homeland? His progress on these shores is being monitored closely by Colombian journalist Juan Camilo Romero Gómez.
He writes for Gol Caracol, the media outlet which covers the Colombian National Team and is a part of the wider Caracol TV, and as such has been covering Morelos over the last few months. As part of that, he has interviewed the striker and is keeping tabs on him.
We spoke to Juan about Morelos’ reputation in Colombian football. We also asked him about a spate of high-profile incidents in Scotland, from the controversial Aberdeen banner, to being bothered in the street, to how much the Colombian is scrutinised by the press here. We also asked him about Morelos’ future with the Colombian national team.
Surprisingly, Morelos has a very different reputation in Colombia.
Alfredo has a reputation for being “calm”
“He is a soccer player played little in Colombia,” said Juan. “Morelos made his debut with Independiente Medellín, one of the country’s historical teams, and left for Finland very young after being with the Colombia U-20 National Team.
“He has a reputation as someone who is calm, hardworking and at the moment of growth in his career. For Morelos, Rangers is undoubtedly an ideal club for him to jump to a better league.
“He deserves to be called to the Selection [for Colombia]. Although it is difficult to be a starter. There are forwards that are going through a great level and others, like Falcao, who have all the experience to be undisputed in their position.”
We then looked for the Colombian journalist’s opinion on how Morelos is perceived by rival fans and the press here. It’s something which has taken Juan somewhat by surprise.
He also suggests Aberdeen fans got it wrong with their banner, and not just because of what they meant to say.
“[Morelos treatment is] Surprising because the image that is here of fans in Europe, in most cases, is very different from what one is used to seeing and living in South America,” said Juan.
“What I have perceived is that the press there values Morelos more than here in relation to its sporting moment.”
Morelos not insulted
“They [Aberdeen fans] were wrong when translating the message. But it is the reflection that without a doubt is the figure of Rangers.
“That kind of thing proves that he’s the most important player Rangers have at this moment. I talked to him about it and he told me that he did not even notice the message, nor did the fans insult him.”
Not that Juan Camilo suggests any of this is affecting Morelos’ preparations or determination to succeed.
“Undoubtedly no player deserves to be insulted or receive such deals and he is motivated to make goals and keep standing out, he does not pay much attention to those things.”
