Kenny Miller: Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield should start v Liverpool
Rangers will take on Liverpool in a crucial Champions League clash in their next game, and Kenny Miller suggests that Scott Arfield should be the one of first names on the team sheet.
The Gers are yet to pick up a point from their opening three fixtures, and pundits are divided on how Giovanni Van Bronkhorst should approach the game.
Miller wants the Bears to play with attacking intent and feels that Arfield should be the player who can make a big difference in the game because of the quality he possesses.
“But for me, whatever shape Gio goes for against Jurgen Klopp’s men – Scott Arfield MUST be deployed within it,” Miller wrote for the Sunday Mail.
“If Rangers want to take anything from this game, he should be one of the first name’s on the manager’s team-sheet. They need a goal. Whether it’s Alfredo Morelos or Antonio Colak up front, it doesn’t really matter. But they need someone else to provide a threat.
“And Scotty Arfield is the ONLY guy in that Rangers squad who can do what he does. He’s one of the few midfielders in this country who runs forward without the ball. He either does it to score himself or to create for someone else. Against Hearts last week, Arfield’s run gets Rangers the first goal.
“It gave Ryan Kent half a pitch to get his cross in because it pre-occupied Michael Smith before Colak scored with a header. It all came from Arfield’s forward run. He didn’t even touch the ball but he affects players around him. And he’s the only player on Rangers’ books who does it.
“Liverpool do it every week. When a red shirt has time on the ball, there is a forward run and a threat in behind. More often than not, they play the pass. Because if it doesn’t hit its target, they’re ready to pounce on the second ball on the edge of your box.
“Picking Arfield isn’t a risk for Gio just because he likes to get forward. It’s the opposite. His work-rate and physicality is outstanding. He’s solid. And he’s been there and done it in the Premier League. So he’s actually a safer option for Gio in that regard.”
Tactical battle
Liverpool are not playing that well at the moment, as they usually do, and there is a chance that they could be put under pressure.
The Reds have got loads of attacking talents and they usually find a way to score. It won’t be a good idea for the Gers to look to frustrate them by going defensive.
Rather, the Bears will have more opportunities to score if they play an open game.
Moreover, Rangers should not fear anyone at Ibrox. They defeated some big teams in Europa League last season, and they are well capable of producing a stellar performance once again.
Miller is spot on here. Arfield has been superb this season. Like old wine, he is getting better and better.
The midfield is one area that can be exploited. Liverpool mainly rely on their full-backs and their forward departments, but Arfield can cause problems in the middle.
He is energetic and a fantastic passer. He can create chances for the players upfront, and should be in the starting line-up on Wednesday (12 October).
In other Rangers news, the club now had a record-breaking striker on trial at Ibrox and he’s gone on to make headlines in the United Kingdom.