Plenty of players have improved at Rangers since Gerrard was appointed.
20 games in, and Steven Gerrard would surely have bitten your hand off if he was told he would only lose two of those league and cup encounters, and take Rangers into the Europa League group stage.
His influence and passion has been mirrored onto the Rangers squad, many of which have gone from mediocre squad players into crucial assets. Everyone has upped a gear since the arrival of Gerrard.
The likes of Andy Halliday, Daniel Candeias, James Tavernier and Alfredo Morelos have all greatly improved, while new signings Allan McGregor, Connor Goldson, Ovie Ejaria and Ryan Kent have been superb.
But amidst the positives, Gerrard has got to be careful when it comes to maintaining the morale and happiness within the squad. Rewards will be expected by some players if the form continues.
Captain Tavernier has already been given a new deal this season, and Gerrard’s next contract should be given to one of his own projects. Glenn Middleton was brought through by Gerrard and he handed the winger his debut at the start of the campaign.
The 18-year-old has excellent in a Light Blue shirt during his 11 senior appearances, scoring a brace in the League Cup against Ayr as well as finding the back of the net in the 4-0 league win over Dundee.
But the former Norwich City man has less than two years on a contract that is likely to be not dissimilar from the rest of Rangers Under-23 and Under-18 stars.
Middleton will fancy himself as an established member of the first team under Gerrard and as his confidence grows, so will his demands. Gerrard has to offer him a new deal now, in order to keep him content.
Landing the exciting winger on a long-term deal will not only benefit Middleton, but it will give Rangers security over one of their finest young assets for years.
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