Outspoken Daily Record journalist Keith Jackson has praised Alfredo Morelos for his “reinvention” this season.
The fiery Colombian’s ill-discipline cost both himself and Rangers at times last season, but so far at least the former HJK Helsinki striker appears to have bucked the trend.
By October last season, Morelos had six yellow cards, two reds and eight goals. By October this season Morelos has three yellows, no reds and 13 goals.
It certainly appears like the 23-year-old forward has turned a corner this season and Jackson praised both Morelos and Gerrard for his progress.
“Let’s give credit here where it is due. First, it must be acknowledged that Morelos has played a huge part in his own reinvention,” said Jackson [Daily Record].
“It may be too soon to say that the scowl has gone from his face for good but there has been a noticeable improvement in his attitude and on-field demeanour since the start of the new campaign.
“The short fuse will still be in there somewhere and the danger of it being lit up may never completely disappear.
“But Morelos now looks in greater control of his own emotions and also much more aware of his responsibilities to those around him.
“As a result, the selfish, petulant mood swings which did Gerrard so much damage last season, have been largely non-existent.”
Jackson also heaped praise on Steven Gerrard for helping to curb Alfredo’s behaviour but, being honest, perhaps overeggs the entire thing in his column.
It was just a case of Morelos growing up, not solving the Da Vinci code.
It’s not the first time Jackson has focused on the Colombian during his time in Scotland.
He infamously claimed Morelos was a negative influence in the dressing room last season whilst he also wrote a story with unsavoury undertones which was criticised by Morelos’ agent and Show Racism the Red Card.
There was a genuine feeling that Jackson had a problem with the striker.
Whilst Jackson praises Morelos’ progress here, his criticism has done little to help the player progress on the pitch and you get a feeling he can’t wait to say “I told you so” should the striker slip up this season.
But so far, well done Alfie for proving Jackson, and a host of other pundits, wrong at the start of this season.
Long may it continue.
