Ross McCrorie burst onto the scene at Ibrox last year under Pedro Caixinha and is now one of the Scottish Premiership’s most exciting prospects.
One year ago this month, Pedro Caixinha claimed that Ross McCrorie would develop into one of the “best centre-halves in history, not just for this club but for this country” in quotes reported by STV.
Plenty of eyebrows were raised at the time, particularly as McCrorie had only ever made one senior appearance for Rangers. But, while there is no doubting his potential, Caixinha’s mistake could have come when describing the youngster as a centre-half.
Because under Steven Gerrard, Caixinha’s permanent successor, the 20-year-old’s future appears to lie in the centre of midfield rather than the heart of defence.
In quotes reported by the Belfast Telegraph this summer, Gerrard intimated that he felt McCrorie, a real ‘gem’ of a talent, would be better suited to a role in the engine room.
And he has since gone out and signed four centre-backs, Connor Goldson, Nikola Katic, Gareth McAuley and Joe Worrall. The chances of McCrorie playing in Rangers’ back four in the near future appear to be very slim as things stand.
Fortunately, being coached by one of the finest all-round midfielders of the 21st century should make it easier for McCrorie to learn the ropes in a new role. He is going to have to if he is to be a regular for Rangers this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
