Rangers are into the Europa League’s last 16 in large part due to the 24-year-old’s performances against Royal Antwerp
If there’s one competition in which Alfredo Morelos thrives, it’s the Europa League.
His return of 90 goals in 171 appearances for Rangers is already impressive, but within those numbers his record of 23 in 43 European matches stands out.
He found the net in both legs of last month’s 9-5 aggregate win over Royal Antwerp in the competition’s last 32, and has found a rich vein of form after an inconsistent few months.
The 24-year-old nearly left for Lille last summer, and was linked with a move to West Ham by the Sun in April 2020.
More eye-catching displays on the European stage will no doubt continue to fuel speculation, but for now his manager is just pleased to see Morelos back to his best.
It wasn’t just his attacking play, however, that impressed Steven Gerrard in last week’s 5-2 win against Royal Antwerp at Ibrox.
In a strong position inside the Belgian side’s half, Morelos abruptly stopped in order to allow injured defender Jérémy Pierre Gelin to be treated.
As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Gerrard said: “I think that moment showed a real sign of maturity.
“As someone who observes Alfredo Morelos closer than anyone, I still don’t think he’s perfect — because he’s had a couple of setbacks in terms of the suspensions.
“But if you judge the all-round person and how he goes about his routine, I see real signs of maturity.
“He’s a player who is trying extra hard to evolve as a person as well as becoming a better player by really working on his game.
“I have to give him credit for that because I’m someone who has been really strong with him, on the one-v-one.
“I’ve put a lot of time and effort into this kid and it made me proud seeing that moment on Thursday night. It’s a sign of maturity in there.
“I think his family life has really helped that, being at home with his wife.
“So there are people around Alfredo who have played a major role in trying to help him grow and become a better person and player.
“I think that moment was a big sign that was the case.”
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