Nathan Young-Coombes has spoken at length to the Evening Times, about his early experiences at Rangers.
The 16-year-old forward made a major life decision to join Rangers in February.
Leaving behind life in London with the Chelsea Academy, he has come in search of playing time and exposure.
He’s doing a fine job of things so far, impressing fans with the U18s, during the Alkass Cup and in Youth Cup action.
He details the multiple differences between the Rangers and Chelsea development systems, claiming the Gers are ‘a step ahead.’
However, he also revealed one vital reason why moving to Glasgow was such an attractive proposition.
“Steven Gerrard is arguably the best centre-mid that England has ever produced…The knowledge and wisdom that the manager has, and the things that he has done in the Champions League and for England, you can’t not learn from someone like that,” the talented youngster told the Evening Times.
“I want to play under him in the coming years and the opportunity to do that made my decision so easy.”
Analysis
It’s clear to see how big a pull Stevie G is for Rangers.
Here is a young lad in the youth system of Premier League giants with a lot more financial clout than the Gers.
Yet, he decides to up sticks and moves north of the border. He admits that the very idea of playing under such a figure played a huge part in that.
Rangers have already pulled off some big signings since the manager came in. Steven Davis was one, but he’s been at Ibrox before.
Jermain Defoe though, a former international teammate of Gerrard’s, is the sort of player who never would have made the switch under previous regimes.
Looking ahead to the summer months, the manager wants to strengthen in the final third.
The club may not have unlimited funds to support him with, but his reputation should continue to be a big factor in the pursuit of transfer targets.
Stevie G was enough for Young-Coombes – let’s hope he’s enough for some senior stars during the coming window.
