Steven Gerrard spoke today about the need for “marquee signings” at Ibrox come the summer.
Speaking as part of his pre-match press conference looking forward to Saturday’s Kilmarnock clash, Gerrard was honest, ambitious and responsible in his comments.
As many fans agree, there’s no need for an overhaul going into next season. But we do need some top quality additions, that missing “piece of magic” as Gerrard calls it. So in what areas of the pitch should we be targeting these marquee signings?
Centre half
That much is pretty obvious. Rangers will need at least two new centre halves next year – and I think Gerrard wants someone with experience to fill this role. Joe Worrall’s going back to Forest [originally The Scottish Sun] and Gareth McAuley is unlikely to be offered a new deal. Could Gerrard finally make that move for Martin Skrtel so many spoke of last year [originally CNN Turkey]? His contract with Fenerbahçe is up come June.
Combative midfielder
In midfield, despite having an abundance of defensive midfielders, we somehow still lack bite. Someone who can compete physically in the Scottish Premiership and guide a youthful midfield around him. Rumours about Graeme Shinnie just won’t go away. But Jordan Rossiter and Greg Docherty are also set to return next year from loan spells in England’s lower leagues, and Ross McCrorie has already proven himself a valuable member of the side. But are they still too young?
Creative, talented midfielder
It’s also in midfield, and out right, where Rangers really lack the desired quality to cut teams open. We need a dominant, classy, technically superb midfielder who’ll score goals. But I suppose every team does. Who will it be? You can’t possibly say, but I think this is top of everyone’s summer shopping list. Rangers simply must secure someone who can unpick stubborn defences.
Right winger
Daniel Candeias might be a workhorse and an often reliable option on the right, but recently the holes in his play have began to show. He needs too many chances to cross the ball. The Portuguese doesn’t perform at a high level consistently enough. Really, he should be a squad player at Ibrox. Rangers might just spend big to get a quality option out on the right.
