Jason Jones

Sat 4 April 2020 19:30, UK

RANGERS OPINION 

Loan deals can be something of a double-edged sword, as Rangers are seemingly about to find out with Ross McCrorie.

According to the Scottish Sun, Pompey are keen to make the 22-year-old’s loan deal at Fratton Park permanent as soon as the opportunity arises in the summer.

On the one hand, that illustrates just how well he has been playing on the south coast, but on the other it now means that the Gers could face a struggle to keep hold of their asset in the coming months.

But should Steven Gerrard go out of his way to hang on to the midfielder?

His stats would seemingly suggest so.

So far this season he has averaged 4.86 successful dribbles per game, as per Wyscout, much higher than his career average of 2.37, as well as winning more duels per match and averaging more successful actions too.

And a closer look at his game play would support that viewpoint too.

The image above, for instance, was taken in McCrorie’s most recent outing, against Fleetwood Town.

Despite being surrounded by three opposition players, the loanee shows fantastic close control to wriggle his way out of danger and break away from that crowded area.

He also manages to get a shot away off his left foot, forcing the keeper into a save.

McCrorie also made eight interceptions in that match, exemplifying his defensive instincts too.

In the image above, for example, the 22-year-old has read the play superbly, identifying the danger and putting his body on the line to make a crucial tackle in a vital part of the field.

Thing could have gone disastrously wrong for the midfielder, but his calmness under pressure and maturity quelled the problem before it could properly develop.

With that kind of poise, plus his obvious quality on the ball, he could prove to be a real asset for the Gers, and one they should resist the urge to sell for a while longer.

In there Rangers news, Ibrox Exclusive: ‘Watch this space’ – Alex Bruce reacts to reported Gers plot for PL 28y/o.