Ryan Kent’s youth career may have been successful, but it’s the step-up to senior level that’s been most beneficial for him.
Rangers’ new Liverpudlian hero has been almost majestic in recent weeks. Kent has come on to a game massively over the last month, and is now Rangers’ most dangerous attacking outlet.
The on-loan Liverpool winger is rated at £2million, and at the moment that’s looking like a snip. He already has three goals to his name this season, and has made the biggest impact of any signing this term.
Opening up on his time at Rangers so far to the Times, Kent has been taken aback with Scotland as a whole. Despite being informed about Scottish football by people down south, he’s been totally surprised by the reality.
“When I was weighing up my options people were saying the Scottish league is this and that, but coming here it is eye-opening to see how difficult it actually is”
“You have to be at it every single game. I would say to anyone if you get the chance to play football at Rangers take it with both hands.
“It has been the best thing that has happened to me. When you have 50,000 Rangers fans getting behind you, there is no better feeling. It is like a new lease of life for the club what the manager has done. He has rejuvenated the place.”
Can only get better
It’s difficult to feel anything other than that we’re just seeing the start of what Kent is capable of. The pacey winger is a tricky customer, but is still just 21 years of age.
Under the stewardship of Steven Gerrard, he can only grow into a far more mature footballer. If there was one player Rangers would want to sign up permanently, it’s Kent.
He’s showing a real positive attitude during this loan stint, and you can see how pleased he is. He’s consistently speaking well of the club, and even stated that Gers fans were the “best in the world.”
It wasn’t always that way, however. When Kent arrived, he was frustrated at a lack of goals coming his way. Despite impressing in flashes, he had yet to truly breakout with a goal or two. Gerrard took him in and gave him the arm around the shoulder treatment, and he suddenly scored that weekend after his chat with the manager.
If anything sums up the “Gerrard effect”, it’s Kent’s form. Hopefully for Rangers and Scottish football’s sake, Kent can continue to develop at Ibrox whilst supporters get to see a genuine talent remain in Scottish football.
