After taking a look at Steven Davis, it’s time to move on to Scott Arfield.
The 30-year-old was one of Steven Gerrard’s first recruits last summer, signing on a free from Premier League side Burnley.
It looked a big signing at the time and the Canada international settled relatively quickly.
The manager threw Arfield straight into the team for the first game of the season against Skhupi, and when fit, he’s been a near ever-present since.
In terms of goals, it took him a while to get going. Twelve matches to be exact. Yet, considering he broke his duck in the massive 2-2 away draw at Villarreal, it was a moment worth waiting for.
That was the first time Bears got a glimpse of the trademark salute celebration, and it was seen with regularity across the rest of the campaign.
Position change increased his influence
Towards the back end of the season, in particular, contributions were aplenty. A suspension for Alfredo Morelos prompted Gerrard to grant Arfield a freer, more advanced role and he repaid his manager’s faith in goals.
Motherwell away in April was the standout display in that regard. The 30-year-old picked up great positions and demonstrated cool finishing to net a hat-trick at Fir Park.
Then, came his big Old Firm moment. Arfield is clearly a player for the big occasion and he stood out in December’s Old Firm win, as well as in the narrow defeat at Parkhead in March.
Finally, he got his reward for his efforts with the second in last month’s 2-0 win at Ibrox.
That strike took him to eleven goals alongside six assists from 29 SPL appearances. Those are excellent stats from midfield, especially in a player’s first season with the club.
Overall, then, a highly successful campaign for Arfield, with a needless red card away at Hearts in December a rare blemish on his record.
Gerrard will do well to ever secure such a quality player on a free transfer again, and it’s crucial this star keeps niggling injuries at bay if the Gers are to win league title no.55 next season.
