Lee McCulloch on Alfredo Morelos provides as backhanded a compliment as there is – “young, moody, and unplayable”.
That’s how former title-winning star McCulloch describes the Colombian goal machine.
Yet, despite the contrasting adjectives used, all three are a compliment to the player. Morelos has had his problems with the refereeing law in Scotland during his time at Ibrox. Despite being sent off on two occasions this season, he’s still the top goalscorer with seven goals.
His latest performance against St Johnstone was a terrific example of how far he’s come as a player, however. No only did he get on the scoresheet, Morelos’ build-up play was second-to-none on the pitch.
McCulloch has taken notice of that, and has heaped praise on the forward for his goal-return and overall displays. Speaking to the Evening Times, McCulloch had this to say on Morelos:
“Watching Alfredo Morelos has been a frustrating chore at times. On Sunday, the moody young man was unplayable.
“Morelos put in his best performance in a blue jersey against St Johnstone and his season is just getting better and better. He is scoring goals, making chances and giving defenders twisted blood with the way he takes a ball and then turns his man.
“I have loved watching him this season. Okay, there have been two red cards – one which has been rescinded – and the temper is always there, something he will deal with as he gets older. However, the most important thing is that he wants the ball, is ready to try something different and is scoring goals.”
A chore, but a talented goalscorer
McCulloch’s comments on how watching Morelos is a chore at times will resonate with Gers supporters worldwide. Sometimes, you just don’t know whether he’s more likely to score a goal or get sent off.
Walter Smith’s former star McCulloch also believes is temper will tame as he get older. We’re not so sure. His temperament is a bg part of his game, and if you take that away from him then you may take a lot of his positives away too.
Morelos is now able to get under defenders’ skin when on his game. His arrogance and style has a way of getting players frustrated. It’s testament to his character that he’s able to that, and his anger is a big part of it.
This may be something that the Colombian internationalist always has on him. Many players in the past failed to get rid of their heated and petulant sides. It’s narrow-minded to think that this will just go away with age.
The improvement he’s made over the last 12 months cannot go unnoticed, however. Last season, all Rangers got was a goalscorer. This season, they’ve got a goalscorer, creator, and an out-ball. For his size, he’s deceivingly strong and is always willing to back into defenders.
He’s young, he’s moody, and he’s unplayable like McCulloch says. Would you really want him to be any different though?
