Ibrox View: Early signs show are that Tulloch could be asset for Rangers amid reported interest
RANGERS OPINION
If this season has taught us anything, it’s that Rangers need more firepower if they are to take Celtic all the way in the title race next season.
The Gers were flying up until the midseason break in Scotland this term, but struggled immensely afterwards, and it’s no coincidence that their drop off came at the same time as Alfredo Morelos’ own personal slump in form.
The Colombian has scored just one goal in 2020 – a sharp contrast to the 28 he notched in the first half of the campaign.
Bringing in back up for the Colombian – or perhaps even a suitable replacement in the event of him leaving this summer – is a must, but you might forgive supporters for being sceptical about their side being linked with one mooted target in particular.
The Scottish Sun suggest that Steven Gerrard is eager to snap up West Brom teenager Rayhaan Tulloch this summer, with the starlet out of contract in the midlands at the end of the campaign.
The youngster has hit nine goals in 14 outings for the Baggies’ reserve setup this term, but has yet to open his account for the first XI.
So would it be wise for Rangers to bring in a player who has yet to score a senior goal?
A closer look at his first team contributions from this season shows that while he may not be finding the back of the net yet, there are reasons to believe he could come good at Ibrox.
Tulloch’s most substantial senior outing to date came in his 33 minute appearance against West Ham in the FA Cup back in January.
Admittedly, he didn’t have a great deal to do in his side’s 1-0 win over the Hammers, but he did register a progressive run, and a closer look at it shows some of his more impressive attributes.
As pictured above, the teenager takes the ball down in congested area of the field.
First of all, his touch is very good, but it’s the presence of mind he displays afterwards that really catches the eye.
Calm in possession, he is able to produce a deft pass, as pictured below.
The best part about this, however, is his immediate willingness to get into space.
Look at his body shape here – as soon as the ball is played, Tulloch is already busting a gut to provide support for his teammate.
When he does regain possession, he is able to drive his side forward, showing a real comfort on the ball and a decent turn of pace.
Just as importantly, however, he shows the presence of mind to hold play up to allow his teammates to catch up to him, eventually playing a simple ball instead of trying to force an opening when none were forthcoming.
Tulloch also registered a shot in this match – albeit one that failed to trouble the goalkeeper.
Again though, the signs were promising.
The position he takes up in the box allows him to slip in between the two defenders, and he shows a real alertness to capitalise on the loose ball as it comes across the byline.
Once again, Tulloch doesn’t panic, instead showing a solid touch and managing to work the ball over onto his left foot to get a shot away.
A good block from the defender prevents it from heading goal-wards, but on another day, with a little bit more luck, he could quite easily have had his first goal for Albion.
In short, he may not have registered his first senior goal yet, but it’s worth pointing out that he has only had five opportunities to do so, and each has come from the bench.
From what we saw of him against West Ham, however, there is more than enough to suggest that he has the composure and natural awareness to break his duck soon.
There may not be a lot of evidence to work with, but the early signs are that Tulloch could be an asset to Rangers if they are able to snap him up on a free transfer in the coming months.
In other Rangers news, Romanian journo: Gers in ‘final stages’ of agreeing permanent Hagi deal.