Pundit Kris Commons predicts a difficult test for Alfredo Morelos up against Porto defender Pepe this Thursday, who he says is a “master of the dark arts”, writing in his Scottish Daily Mail column (21/10 print edition, The Verdict supplement, page 16).
Morelos’ discipline has actually been a major positive for Rangers this season, compared to last term at least. He hasn’t picked up any cards in domestic action at all, with his four coming between matches in European qualifying and group stage matches.
It’s something Commons has praised in his column, with the former Celtic attacker feeling the Colombian has matured as a player over the last 12 months.
He has warned his stiffest test is to come though, believing Pepe has the ability to get at the striker and wind him up.
As quoted by The Scottish Daily Mail (21/10 print edition, The Verdict supplement, page 16), Commons explained: “Now, though, comes the ultimate acid test on Thursday night when Morelos goes up against Porto and their wily old centre-half, Pepe.
“Make no mistake about it, Pepe is a wind-up merchant of the highest order. We saw it for years when he and Sergio Ramos were at the heart of the Real Madrid defence.
“A master of the dark arts, he’s the sort of player who could start a fight in an empty room. Now is not the time for Morelos to indulge him.”
Can Morelos persevere?
After scoring 15 goals and assisting five times in 20 appearances this season, Porto might have more reason to fear Morelos than Rangers do to fear Pepe.
The 36-year-old nonetheless has the experience and ability to shut down his younger opponent.
Steven Gerrard will be hoping that the other side of Pepe’s game does not have an impact on the Colombian. Commons is right to note he has a long history of getting at attackers in an underhanded way.
Morelos must show how far he’s come with a team-focused performance and not fall into any traps laid before him by the Portuguese international. If he can do that, he has every chance of nicking a goal and sending the Gers on their way to a positive result.
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