Rangers have enjoyed a successful European campaign so far
Brian Laudrup believes Alfredo Morelos can be the man to earn Rangers another excellent European result.
The Ibrox side have enjoyed a stellar campaign on the continent this season, topping a Europa League group that included Benfica, Standard Liege and Lech Poznan while remaining undefeated.
They’ll face a tough test on Thursday night against Belgian side Royal Antwerp in the round of 32, and Morelos will return after serving a domestic suspension following an incident with Hibs defender Ryan Porteous.
The Colombian has come up with a number of crucial strikes in Europe, with a record of 22 goals from 41 appearances in European competition since arriving at Ibrox in June 2017.
Rangers legend Laudrup expects Morelos, who was linked with West Ham and Leicester by the Sun in April 2020, to be vital as Steven Gerrard plots a route to the last 16.
Writing in his column on page 83 of Tuesday’s Scottish Daily Mail, Laudrup said: “You need a player like Morelos for this challenge.
“His physicality could be crucial, as could his ability to link play upfront and create space for others. Morelos should be coming back thinking he owes his manager and the club after his latest domestic suspension.
“While there is controversy about the disciplinary process in Scotland right now, Gerrard admitted he couldn’t defend the incident with Ryan Porteous that landed the Colombian a three-match ban.
“Does Morelos think that way about owing the team? I don’t know. But I do feel he raises the bar when he plays in Europe and I want to see him do it again.
“Perhaps this is the stage on which he feels he can really convince other big clubs from Europe about his ability.
“Whatever his motivation, I think we see an extra 10% on his performances in the Europa League at times.
“Getting an away goal will be immensely important for Rangers and he could be the man to provide it.”
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