Ibrox View: Alfredo Morelos maturity evident in Rangers v Slavia Prague
Alfredo Morelos is used to getting kicked from pillar to post but his Rangers display v Slavia Prague was another example of his growing maturity.
The 24-year-old has let himself down on occasions with acts of petulance and, in some cases, moments of sheer stupidity.
The debate has always been whether he makes up for his acts of indiscretion with his all-round performances and crucial goals.
When he is on top that is the accepted view but when he’s not a different view is often formed – he is costing the Light Blues, no player is bigger than the club etc.
Morelos was suspended as recently as this year after being handed retrospective punishment but he has come back into the side in fine form and has ignored attempts to wind him up.
This latest example was seen in Rangers’ first-leg tie in Prague on Thursday evening.
Appearing on BBC Radio Scotland Sportsound [19:08, 11/03/21] for the game former Gers midfielder Charlie Adam noted a change in the Colombian striker.
He said: “Morelos is in a different mindset at the moment. Like the penalty incident at Livingston, when things don’t go his way he’s not reacting anymore, he just gets on with his game.
“When he plays well, Rangers play well.”
Indeed stats show Morelos was targeted yet again as no player on the pitch was fouled more times [four – WhoScored].
He had a poor night by his lofty standards and registered three unsuccessful touches, another stat not beaten by anyone else on the pitch.
Zero shots and dribbles was further proof of his relative anonymity on proceedings.
The Morelos of old would have charged about creating chaos to put his mark on the game.
While that can be seen as brave in some quarters that is often the wrong thing to do and can lead to dire consequences such as a sending-off.
But Alfie seems to be learning the error of his ways with just one yellow card in his last six games despite attempts to rough him up.
He might have had it tough on Thursday but four goals in as many games before proves he has not lost his killer instinct.
We like this mature Morelos and think he can still be as crucial as ever, just with more control.
In other Rangers news, Charlie Adam slams 24y/o for first-half shocker v Slavia Prague.