Ibrox View: Stunning display from Rangers starlet surely justifies promising update
RANGERS OPINION
As a Rangers fan, there’s nothing more exciting than seeing a local lad rise up through the ranks of the academy and force his way into the first team picture.
It doesn’t happen all that often, and so when it does it is made all the more special.
And that’s why we should all be watching the progress of young Kai Kennedy with eager anticipation.
According to Football Insider, the 17-year-old has been earmarked by Steven Gerrard for a major senior role next season.
And a closer look at one of his outings this term shows just why that is the case.
Kennedy featured for Scotland’s U19s against Andorra back in October, and he ran the show from start to finish, completing 13 out of his 19 attempted dribbles, winning 70% of his offensive duels, and registering both assists in a 2-0 win, as per Wyscout.
And his first assist was a prime example of just how dangerous he can be in wide areas.
As pictured above, the teenager faces up to his man in an advanced position before dropping the shoulder, giving himself half a yard and delivering a perfect cross for his teammate to nod home.
The speed with which he is able to shift his body weight is frightening, and that kind of agility will serve him well, even if he does make the step up to senior football.
His second assist was also a fantastic illustration of what he can do.
Pictured above, it is in many ways similar to the first, but this time Kennedy really takes the attack to the defender.
Full-backs hate nothing more than wingers running at them, and you can see in the image above just how quickly the Gers starlet is travelling, and how off-balance his movement has left his opponent.
Again, that is a skill that will transfer brilliantly into the first team setup, and the directness that the naturally possesses could be a lethal weapon for Gerrard’s men.
It’s important not to overhyped young talent like this, but it’s hard not to get just a little bit excited about how good Kennedy could be in the not-too-distant future.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox View: Gerrard must not give up on struggling Gers talent despite disastrous 19/20.