On Friday afternoon, Steven Gerrard provided a transfer update, with the January window on the horizon.
He predicted that there wouldn’t be large numbers of signings like there have been during his first three windows at the club, but that if the right player came along, the club would look to do a deal [Rangers Twitter].
This seems a fair enough approach, given that the Gers look adequately stocked in most areas of the pitch.
Apart from one.
Gerrard and Wilson must plug gap on Rangers right flank
The one glaring weakness in this current Gers squad is the attacking right position.
So far this season, no player has been able to nail down the spot, despite considerable rotation.
Greg Stewart has arguably looked the most impressive when given proper opportunities, but the manager doesn’t seem to trust the ex-Birmingham City man on big occasions.
Scott Arfield, who is goalless in his last 21 appearances, looks a shadow of his 2018/19 self, while Sheyi Ojo started promisingly with a run of goals and assists, but has drawn severe criticism from fans in recent times. Since September, he hasn’t shown anywhere near enough desire or quality.
Another summer recruit, Brandon Barker, has been given a few opportunities on the right, too. Yet, he’s also been inconsistent.
In the away tie at Porto in the Europa League, he put in a good shift, but in the reverse fixture, he looked totally out of his depth.
What’s more, with James Tavernier not as consistently effective from full-back as he was last campaign, the right-side isn’t pulling its weight and its an imbalance that needs addressing.
In Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos, Gerrard has two-thirds of a potent front three at his disposal.
Bringing in a quality addition on that right side who can work hard, take players on, and provide genuine cutting edge, would be massive.
To compete with and ultimately usurp Celtic as Scottish Premiership champions, the Gers need a top-quality first-choice lineup. Right now, they have the guts of it, but are a man short.
Over on our Rangers News YouTube channel, we discussed this issue with the right-side in more depth.
