Rangers star wins international monthly award
Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield has been named as the Canadian men’s footballer of the month for October after a series of impressive displays under Steven Gerrard.
The 32-year-old midfielder started the month by scoring a goal in crucial Europa League qualifier against Galatasaray, as his side earned a 2-1 win and progressed to the group stage.
Since then, Arfield has made six further appearances for Rangers, playing 90 minutes as they beat Old Firm rivals Celtic 2-0 at Parkhead.
The former Burnley man, who became Gerrard’s first signing when he joined the club for £2.7 million in 2018, beat out the likes of Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, who saw his game time reduced last month.
The Canadian Soccer statement read: “In Scotland, Arfield has helped Glasgow Rangers FC open a six-point lead on rivals Glasgow Celtic FC, not counting yet another Rangers victory on 1 November. Celtic have won the league for nine consecutive seasons, with the Rangers last Championship-winning season back in 2010-11. All-time, Rangers have won the league 54 times while Celtic have won 51 times.”
Important piece
Arfield remains an important tactical piece for Gerrard, who has looked to rotate regularly this season.
Able to play either centrally, as a number 10 or out wide, he has made 17 appearances so far this season and has been involved in every Scottish Premiership fixture (via WhoScored).
Averaging 1.5 shots per game in the league, the Canadian has three league assists to his name so far, a tally only bettered by Ianis Hagi and James Tavernier (via WhoScored).
With an average of 26.2 passes per match in league fixtures, at 84.8% accuracy, he does not offer the same ball-playing qualities as Glen Kamara or Steven Davis, but his versatility allows Gerrard to mix and match his side.
The Gers’ defensive solidity has been a key strength this season and Arfield’s positional discipline and work rate are both valuable assets in that respect.
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