Umar Sadiq’s inclusion has been a surprise in recent games, but why does he keep making them?
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has barely had a positive word to say about the Nigerian. Despite that, he still makes appearances in the Gers matchday squads.
Even on occasions where you would think he’s needed, Gerrard still doesn’t select him. Against Hamilton was the prime example. With Steven Boyd rattling home an equaliser, Rangers were in desperate need of a goal. Gerrard’s man to bring in was Eros Grezda – not Sadiq.
That told you all you needed to know about just how far down the pecking order Sadiq is. The Nigerian has made just three senior appearances for the Rangers side this term. He’s yet to even score a competitive goal. Considering the fact he’s only on-loan until the end of the season, time is ticking on for him to make an impact.
Even with Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty out for Sunday’s Betfred Cup semi-final, Sadiq still isn’t the first reserve.
Still, however, he makes the matchday squads. In the last two matches, Sadiq has been back in amongst the squad. On both occasions, he’s appeared for zero minutes.
The only explanation
The only explanation is that Gerrard still has faith in Sadiq. As it stands, however, he’s so far away from inclusion that it’s hardly worth giving him a spot in the squad.
The likes of Andrew Dallas (not that one) and Serge Atakayi are just two of the players from the development squad who could use that substitute spot. Having some of the youths gaining experience in the first-team squad would be invaluable for them.
Instead, their potential spot gets taken up by the out-of-form Sadiq.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t an attack on the Nigerian forward. Nothing suggests he isn’t giving it his all at Ibrox, but he just isn’t impressing. If he isn’t going to be used whatsoever, then give his spot to a young player who deserves some first-team exposure.
It appears that the Rangers manager still has some hope that Sadiq can come back into the fray. If that’s true, then fair enough. But he needs to get the chance if he’s going to keep appearing in squads.
If not, let a Dallas or an Atakayi step up.
