Steven Gerrard may already have next Ryan Kent at Rangers – He’s not played this season
Steven Gerrard is closing in on a sensational return to Rangers.
Gerrard is set to hold talks with the Rangers hierarchy in London, and could be appointed as Russell Martin’s successor within days.
Jermain Defoe has been heavily linked with a coaching return to Ibrox, too, and he won’t be the only past figure that will be remembered fondly from that invincibles squad.
Ryan Kent was the spearhead, and although he won’t return, someone could fill his role.
Ryan Kent was the magic man for Steven Gerrard
Gerrard turned everything around during his time at Ibrox, bringing the Scottish Premiership back in an unbeaten season that will never be forgotten.
Kent was at the heart of it, but it was his goal at Parkhead in December 2019 that springs to mind immediately, in a massive 2-1 win.
During his five years at Rangers, Kent scored 26 goals and delivered 31 assists in 133 appearances, but started from the very bottom.
He dragged the Light Blues back to success at times with his trickery and bravery, even starring on the European stage with memorable performances against the likes of Borussia Dortmund.
The 2020-21 season was his best in blue, with his 1523 accurate passes showing just how integral he was in unlocking defences for his side, via Sofascore.
- Read more: ‘I thought Derek McInnes had joined Rangers after training absence’ – Ex-Ibrox midfielder
Can Rabbi Matondo fill those shoes for Steven Gerrard?
Rabbi Matondo is yet to feature this season at Ibrox, after a poor loan at Hannover 96 last season.
Matondo underwent surgery in July and was supposed to be back in August, but was never involved under Martin.
Martin was ready to sell the winger before he was sacked, but he could be given a new lease of life in a squad that has had very little success out wide this season.
The Wales international is tricky and also has a memorable goal against Celtic in his CV, curling home to seal a late 3-3 draw for Philippe Clement.
Matondo had his best season at Ibrox in 2023/24, scoring six and assisting a further three, but he only delivered 178 accurate passes in 25 matches.
That would need to improve drastically, but under the management of Gerrard, he could finally be unlocked to stardom in Govan.
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