Greg Stewart has told the Daily Record that Alfredo Morelos should be playing on the edge with his anger as that is when Steven Gerrard can get the best from the Rangers striker.
Morelos has toned down his rage in recent seasons after a hot-heated start to life at Ibrox. His full-blooded approach raised many questions over his disciplinary record, with referees not afraid to pull out a red card.
During the 2018/19 campaign, Morelos even set a European record for the most sending offs in a single season. His sending off against Celtic for an off-the-ball clash with Scott Brown was the Colombian’s fifth of the campaign. He also drew 13 yellow cards that term.
Morelos has tempered his anger since, with the Rangers striker seeing 21 yellows and two reds in the following seasons. His last sending off coming back in December 2019, as well.
But, along with avoiding bookings this season, Morelos has struggled to score over Rangers’ early fixtures. The £1m arrival from HJK Helsinki has only struck four in 12 games so far.
Stewart wants to see a feisty Morelos at Rangers
Stewart, who played 15 times beside Morelos during his Rangers career, believes the 25-year-old needs that fire in his belly to extract the most from his game. But must only get close to the limit, and not let his anger take control.
“For me, when he’s playing on the edge is when you see him at his best,” Stewart said. “It’s about trying to balance it out. There can be a fine line between playing on the edge and going over it, as we’ve seen with Buff a couple of times.
“He’s worked so hard on his discipline, which is great as he’s not getting sent off anymore every three or four games. But I’ve got to be honest, I love it when Alfredo gets angry.
“That’s when opposition teams know they’re in trouble because it brings out the best in him. He really is a handful to cope with and in Europe, he seems to love those big nights, up against top defenders.”
Is Morelos better when he’s angry?
Stewart may be right to suggest Gerrard encourages Morelos to push the boundaries with his anger to thrive for Rangers. His best Premiership return of 18 goals came in 2018/19 when the £33k-a-week striker drew five sending offs.
He also offered a personal best eight assists that term, but has already offered two in six games this campaign. Gerrard, though, will be keen to avoid Morelos going over the limit.
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