Jordan Campbell highlights influence of Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Roy Makaay on Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers form
The new Rangers regime of Giovanni van Bronckhorst and coach Roy Makaay deserve credit for Alfredo Morelos’ excellent form, says The Athletic.
The Colombian has sparked the reigning champions back into life upon his return from international duty, scoring three and assisting another in back-to-back wins over Hearts and Hibs.
That takes him to nine goals in his last 11 matches and has proven how vital he is to the chances of the Scottish Premiership title returning to Ibrox this season, both as a finisher and a play-maker.
The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell has hailed the striker as operating at maximum level in both areas, as well as fitness and temperament for the first time in Glasgow, and believes it is “remarkable” that he is reaching the level of early 2019-2020.
Campbell writes: “Giovanni van Bronckhorst deserves credit for inspiring this level of output from his striker and for finding a role in the team which balances the Colombian’s combination play with his innate desire to be in the penalty area.
“The influence of former Netherlands striker Roy Makaay appears to be wearing off on him nicely and was displayed in the lead up to his goal [against Hibs]”.
Hitting the heights
It might be too simplistic to say that Gers’ title defence rests on the shoulders of ‘El Bufalo’ but it cannot be far off.
Although he played in the 1-1 draw at Aberdeen in January, he was absent for the next three games and the side looked toothless without him.
Neither Kemar Roofe, not in form after injury, or Cedric Itten who has not yet shown he is of the right quality, were able to fill Morelos’ space.
Not only has his own play been excellent since he returned, but he seems to have inspired teammates such as Ryan Kent and Glen Kamara back into form.
After a serene introduction to the manager’s role in Glasgow, the start of the year brought the first questions for the new manager.
A hugely disappointing 3-0 loss to Celtic is certainly a mark against van Bronckhorst’s record, but his own tactical work, the communication benefits of speaking Spanish, and bringing in Makaay all appear to be major plus points when it comes to the Light Blue’s main goalscoring threat.
In other Rangers news, Alan Hutton was in awe of one first-team star’s achievements following the Hibs win.