Scott Arfield’s form these days must have Steven Gerrard thinking twice about a potential new number 10 in January.
The Rangers manager spoke earlier this month about a need for improvement in that area. Despite the performances of Arfield and Ovie Ejaria, Gerrard stated the club didn’t have a natural number 10.
Gerrard was clearly wanting some more goals and assists from his attacking midfielders through the centre. He had every right to be slightly concerned with this a few weeks ago after Aberdeen knocked Rangers out of the Betfred Cup.
Even back at the beginning of the season, when Arfield failed to score in any of his first 11 matches for the club, did Gerrard have reason to want a number 10.
Recently, however, the Canada star has been doing the business soundly in front of goal. He’s managed to bag four goals in Rangers’ last eight matches from the number 10 position. Out of all of Rangers’ central midfielders, he’s the one who supports the attack the most. Granted, it isn’t a natural number 10 position Arfield plays, but he provides great balance to the squad.
In recent matches against the likes of Livingston, Motherwell, and St Mirren, Arfield has been getting into great areas in the final third. His positioning and eagerness to participate in attacking football is infectious.
You have to wonder whether any potential replacement in January would be played ahead of Arfield. Considering the former Falkirk man is currently Rangers’ number 10, he would be the most likely to be in danger.
Arfield continues to silence critics
It seems to be that whenever a gauntlet is thrown down to Arfield, he makes himself undroppable. When many were starting to question his worth back in his early days at Ibrox, he scored vital goals against Villarreal and St Johnstone respectively. He’s now netted five goals in total along with bagging four assists too.
They’re both still figures that the midfielder will want to improve upon, but is there really a need for a number 10? Arfield is currently carrying out the work of a natural attacking midfielder whilst still getting back and being aggressive in his own half.
Mark Allen has already revealed that there won’t be a lot of investment in the squad in January. Reports in the past, however, have claimed that Gerrard wants four new additions with two being midfielders.
Arfield, however, is fighting tooth and nail to make Gerrard realise a replacement isn’t necessary. He’s getting forward and making things happen, and you can see his relationship with the likes of Alfredo Morelos improving on a weekly basis.
Whilst improvements could be made all over the squad, there’s no overwhelming need for a number 10. Arfield is handling the role fine and picking up his performance levels once more.
Therefore, it would be unfair to see him drop out of the team after January. Will Gerrard feel the same? Time will tell.
