Steven Gerrard’s influence is being felt around the club at Ibrox, but in Ryan Jack, his ability to man-manage and develop players is perhaps being felt the most.
The Rangers midfielder is very much someone who Gerrard rates and he is clearly someone the legendary Liverpool and England midfielder is having a big influence on.
Watching from the stands, you got the feeling that whilst Jack was a good recycler of the ball and an intelligent player, the former Aberdeen captain wasn’t doing enough to influence games.
Now in his third season at Rangers, he has started it with all that composure we’ve begun to expect.
But he has also begun to add a classiness, intention and final product in the final third.
It very much feels like Gerrard’s influence over the Scotland cap.
Jack is undoubtedly one of the players that the Rangers boss trusts the most. He is one of the first names on that Ibrox team sheet.
Ryan Jack still has a big role to play at Ibrox
He played 46 games last year and you expect it’ll be there or thereabouts again. Even with increased competition.
But in return, Steven Gerrard will want Jack to deliver more in that influencing of games.
A classy volley against St. Joseph’s was backed up by direct, composed play coupleed with a few shots at goal.
His cultured volley sent us on our way and it was tremendous finish.
Jack’s raking pass to Daniel Candeias in the 4-0 friendly win over Marseille was something Gerrard himself would’ve been proud.
At 27, you get the feeling it is time for Ryan Jack to mature into that all-round, commanding midfielder somewhat in the mould of his current mentor.
And if he can do that, Steven Gerrard won’t just have made Ryan Jack a better player.
He’ll have transformed him into one of our biggest assets too.
