Ross McCrorie exploded onto the scene with Rangers last season with Rangers.
At first glance, he was a talented, ball-playing centre back who was wise beyond his years.
As things progressed, he was shifted into defensive midfield. His work as a creative pivot also impressed Rangers fans.
But truth be told, he was held up as a shining light in what was a wholly disappointing season last year. And Gerrard is being careful with his development after some high-profile gaffes.
Caixinha praise papered over cracks
McCrorie played 22 league games in total last season. So far this season, he’s played one out of five. In that game was sent off for a clumsy, last-man challenge.
Pedro Caixinha introduced him to the team to much praise and fanfare.
The Portuguese proudly announced that, “Ross McCrorie is going to be one of the best centre-halves in history, not just for this club but for this country.”
He went on to say how he would play him if necessary and felt he was ready. Graeme Murty soon came to find out he wasn’t after Caixinha was booted.
On reflection it all feels like Caxinha was milking the fan excitement towards a young player and deflecting away from his failings. Fans love an academy graduate, and Caixinha relied heavily on that to quell pressure on himself.
Gerrard already outspoken about McCrorie’s treatment
Gerrard was also heavily critical over how the talented player had been used.
McCrorie was entrusted with a hugely difficult match against Celtic in the Scottish Cup in April. Rangers were demolished 4-0 and McCrorie conceded a penalty and was sent off. It must’ve been humiliating and only shifted blame on to him where others had to take responsibility.
On that, Gerrard said “We had a player playing at centre-back when it wasn’t his real position [McCrorie] – he was 19 years of age and had been thrown in at the deep end. He could easily have been destroyed, career-wise. We felt that decision was careless.”
After being sent off against St. Mirren Gerrard casually reduced the playing time of the midfielder. Since then he has only been seen away in Maribor and against Kilmarnock.
It’s now about managing the matches he plays in and ensuring they are right for his development.
Recently captaining the Scotland U21s, McCrorie clearly has ability, but it’ll require patience for him to reach it.
Gerrard knows that better than anyone.
