Jermain Defoe salutes ‘Unbelievable’ Ryan Kent as most skilful Rangers player
Jermain Defoe has picked out Ryan Kent as the most skilful Rangers player and paid tribute to his fleet-footed abilities.
Kent has been crucial to the success of Steven Gerrard’s side this season, even in spite of a mid-season lull in front of goal where he went 13 games without scoring between November and February.
He eventually found his shooting boots and even scored four in five games over the course of 16 days in February and March.
But it’s his lung-bursting runs from the left-wing and dazzling dribbling skills that have really caught the eye and helped to inspire the Light Blues to title No.55 as well as a respectable run in the Europa League.
Veteran forward Defoe was asked by Rangers TV for who he thought was the most skilful player at Auchenhowie.
He said: “Kenty again, his feet are unbelievable.
“Quick feet, even in training sometimes he does things I am like ‘wow’. I would definitely take Kenty there.”
Defoe dazzled by dribbling demon
It won’t be a surprise to many to hear Defoe select Kent as the most skilful Gers player but it’s revealing just how impressed he is.
Defoe has played with some of the most elite superstars to grace the game, including serial Champions League winner Gareth Bale, so he knows one or two things about skill.
The fact that he has been left lauding Kent sums up the 24-year-old’s brilliance on the ball and this is backed up in a key Premiership tatistic.
According to Wyscout Kent has made 247 dribbles so far in the league, 47 more than his closest challenger Martin Boyle (Hibernian).
Only Aberdeen’s Matthew Kennedy (8.19) attempts more per 90 than the Gers winger (7.98) who is successful with more than half of his efforts (53.8%).
Kent is pure magic – this Light Blues side just does not function in the same way without him.
That’s why he has been an ever-present in Premiership fixtures this campaign and is arguably the key man.
Keeping hold of him this summer will be vital to our progression in the Champions League next season.
In other Rangers news, PL top-10 trio eye Gers defender.