Steven Gerrard and Ryan Kent have gelled well together, but it’s now time for more trust to be put into the on-loan star.
If one thing was proved yesterday, it’s that Kent simply can’t be dropped from now on. Unless Rangers are facing lower-league opposition or a meaningless game, Gerrard has to stick by the on-loan Liverpool man.
When Kent came on against Livingston, Rangers instantly looked doubly as threatening. He was the spark that made Rangers click that little bit more.
Granted, this wasn’t eactly a swashbucking performance from any in white, but he was by far the most creative. From a fan’s perspective, he was the only player who looked determined to turn the game around. Unfortunately for Kent and Rangers, not many others looked as bothered.
The Rangers manager started with a front two of Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty. So far, that just isn’t working. The pair are too busy trying to do the same role, whilst it’s having a huge influence on Rangers’ build-up play. If playing two up top means sacrificing Kent, then it should be a no-go from here on.
One of few creative sparks
Outside of Glenn Middleton, Kent is the only real winger with a sufficient level of quality to create. Daniel Candeias tries his hardest in a Rangers jersey, but he’s not as impactful a player.
The only chance against Livingston came when Kent threaded a through ball in for Morelos. The Colombian missed the chance, but it was top play by Kent. As well as that, he was always looking to dazzle with his quick feet and look for runners ahead of him. The fact there weren’t many is hardly a criticism of Kent.
Nobody is pretending that Kent is the best thing since sliced bread. He’s still a young player with a lot of development left in him. The truth is the truth, however, and he remains the best creative influence at the club just now.
Rangers will come up against some stiff opposition in the next week. Rapid Vienna visit Ibrox in the Europa League before Hearts come along for a visit on Sunday. If Kent isn’t playing in both of those games, it would be a huge shock to the supporters who are taking to him well.
Yesterday was one of those days where you noticed how much you need a player when he’s not playing. That’s the case with Kent, and if Gerrard wants to make amends for yesterday, he simply has to play from here on in.
