At the beginning of the season, Alfredo Morelos was thought irreplaceable at Ibrox. The rampant, ferocious striker has very much dragged this Rangers team up at times this season. He’s a key player.
But Jermain Defoe has been on solid form for Rangers since Morelos’ suspension in the wake of the Celtic defeat. Even when he hasn’t scored, the legendary English striker has looked every bit the part.
Comfortable on the ball and with exceptional movement between defenders, he’s getting back to the peak of his powers. So does Gerrard shift the Bournemouth loanee out this weekend? After all, Morelos was serving a suspension for petulance. Yet again.
Against Hibs, Rangers have the chance to win five games on the bounce for the first time under Steven Gerrard.
And should Celtic slip up against Aberdeen, they could also have the chance to take the title race to Ibrox. It’s a tantalising prospect. And one we wouldn’t be anywhere near without Morelos’ contribution on the pitch.
But since Morelos has been out of the side, Rangers have looked much more composed. They’ve looked calmer, not as hairbrained and without a doubt, more relaxed. It’s paid dividends with performances on the pitch.
Defoe has been a key player in all of that.
Do Rangers risk Alfredo Morelos’ happiness by not recalling him?
Often this season you got the impression Gerrard was protecting Morelos. More than that, he hesitated to criticise him. Rangers put a hell of a lot on keeping him happy and keeping him at the club. He’s not going to be happy if he isn’t playing.
Alfredo Morelos must be looking on from the sidelines in real disappointment in himself. If he isn’t, there’s something wrong. More than just let himself down with poor discipline, it’s clearly let the team down too.
He has promised to address the way he reacts on the pitch, and Rangers fans still love him all the same.
But it’s one hell of a dilemma for Gerrard going into the final three games. Keep Jermain Defoe up top or bring Alfredo Morelos back in?
Whatever the decision, the Colombian’s future at the club might even depend on it. And so might our season.
