Ibrox exit ? The defender’s poor form at Rangers continued into the international break, showing that even a handy Portugal side couldn’t disguise his shortcomings.
Rangers headed into the international break after a disappointing pair of results in the Scottish Premiership that left them just two points clear of third-placed Aberdeen.
Defeats to Celtic and Kilmarnock halted the club’s momentum, and both results came after dismal performances from Euro 2016 winner Bruno Alves.
The former Zenit defender’s signing appeared to be a real coup for Rangers last summer, but it is becoming increasingly clear that his best footballing days are behind him.
Alves is now 36 years old and so it’s expected that he might struggle with some aspects of the game, yet he shouldn’t look out of his depth in Scotland.
And his dismal run of form continued into the international break, with Alves struggling against Egypt on Friday, despite Portugal’s late win in Zurich.
Any defender might flounder against Mohamed Salah, but the Liverpool man was stationed out wide and Alves instead came up short when faced with the modest talents of Braga’s Ahmed Hassan and Al Ahly’s Marwan Mohsen.
The centre-back looked well out of his depth against a very ordinary Egypt side, and picked up a booking for a late foul on Mohsen.
Alves’ continued difficulties only further go to show that it’s probably time for Rangers to call time on his career in Glasgow.
If Rangers are to return to past glories, they can’t afford to carry players in key positions. Alves has enjoyed a fine career, but Rangers shouldn’t hesitate in making a call that’s in their best interests.
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