Steven Gerrard has confirmed his commitment to youth development with the inclusion of Rangers’ Dapo Mebude for the journey to Russia.
The Rangers manager has stated in the past how important the development of the club’s young stars are to him. Being the former coach of Liverpool’s under-18s, you can see where that enthusiasm comes from.
Mebude is just the latest in a list of young prospects to threaten breaking out. He joins Andy Dallas and Stephen Kelly in those who have potential stardom in their future.
The young striker is a bit of a goal-machine at youth level. His hat-trick against Motherwell back in September was the standout match for him at reserve level this season.
He’s been capped by Scotland Under-17s, and signed his first pro contract just last year. It appears he’s set to rocket up to the fringes of the first-team if this trip to Russia is anything to go by.
Gerrard has no feat in pitching youngsters in
Gerrard doesn’t have any fear in pitching in young talent. Glenn Middleton has seen 14 minutes this season, whilst Ovie Ejaria and Ryan Kent play every week despite arriving from Liverpool’s youth academy.
The Rangers manager has watched plenty of reserve and youth team football this season at Rangers. He’s clearly looking for potential big-name stars to start making breakthroughs at Ibrox. Mebude’s inclusion in the squad should be considered a massive achievement for him, but whether he’ll make the bench is still doubtful.
Gerrard has a tasty striking rivalry down in the reserves these days. Mebude and Dallas are both red-hot and look like promising talents. Dallas has yet to feature in a Rangers squad, but you imagine the likes of he and Kelly will get their shot soon.
Actually seeing minutes on the pitch could be a struggle with so many must-win games coming up. It’s a great boost for supporters and the youth players to see the Rangers manager involving them in first-team duties, however.
Don’t expect much from Mebude tomorrow night in Spartak. This is highly likely to be a valuable lesson for him with the idea of getting some first-team experience. The same will likely come for several other youth stars this season.
What it is showing, however, is that Gerrard didn’t lie when he emphasised the need for young talent to come through.
