Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has raved about Ryan Kent ahead of his side’s Europa League clash against Benfica on Thursday night, as quoted by the Herald.
Kent stayed at Ibrox despite interest from Leeds United during the summer transfer window [Leeds Live] and he’s been one of the club’s most productive players so far this season, scoring six goals and notching seven assists in all competitions.
The 24-year-old ended a 10-game goalless run with a fine opener against Aberdeen at the weekend and his manager has suggested that his potential is limitless.
“As good as he wants,” said Gerrard, as quoted by the Herald. “Ryan has all the tools and the ability and talent to go on improving and get to a different level, without a doubt.”
“People judge Ryan on goals and assists and, of course, we do to a certain degree but we also judge him on his application on a daily basis. He’s in magnificent shape. He trains extremely hard in the gym and on the training pitch.
“I’m a huge fan of Ryan Kent. He can go again, for sure, and it’s imperative that we keep him at this football club if we stay true to what we all want, which is success.”
Kent has been a near ever-present in the left-sided attacking role for the Gers this season, starting 20 of the club’s 21 matches in all competitions and only missing the second round Europa League qualifier at Lincoln Red Imps, for which he was rested.
The Englishman regularly frustrated supporters with a lack of end product last season but his numbers are improving and he’s been pivotal to Rangers’ early-season form.
He brings vital trickery to the forward line when his team are facing a block and electric pace on the counter-attack in Europe.
After a starring role against Aberdeen on Sunday, Kent is sure to be full of confidence ahead of a crucial Group D clash with Benfica and if the Gers are to come out on top, they’ll likely need to him to fire.
