Gary McAlister suspects John Lundstram is still finding his feet at Ibrox as the Rangers midfielder is perhaps trying too hard to make a difference in games, via the Daily Record.
Lundstram moved to Glasgow in July to join Steven Gerrard’s Premiership title-winning side after leaving Sheffield United. His contract at Bramall Lane expired at the end of last season after rejecting offers to extend his stay. Instead penning a three-year deal at Ibrox.
The 27-year-old has been a frequent part of Gerrard’s plans when available, but is yet to establish a prominent role. Lundstram has only started one of his five Premiership outings over six possible games. But has opened five in five over the domestic and European cups.
Lundstram made his sixth start in 10 appearances as Rangers beat Livingston in the League Cup on Wednesday, and impressed assistant manager McAlister. Gerrard’s right-hand man felt the former England youth international offered his fair share during the 2-0 result.
That has not always been the case since Lundstram joined Rangers, with McAlister adding the midfielder sometimes tries too hard. Which has negatively impacted his contributions for the Glasgow giants so far, but will reduce over time.
“Sometimes his eagerness to try and impact the game or influence the game [means] he’s running around too much,” McAlister said. “He’s maybe trying too hard.
“I suppose with more experience and coaching from the guys in and around the football club he’ll definitely get better. I thought he played very well.”
Has Lundstram been a good signing for Rangers so far?
Gerrard may have hoped for more from Lundstram when Rangers signed the midfielder this summer. He moved to Glasgow after starting 23 of his 28 appearances in the Premier League last season. Although the former Everton prospect was not always at his best then.
Lundstram was culpable of making repeatedly sloppy passes that killed Sheffield United’s momentum. On occasion, he also coasted through games, making little or no impact to the Blades’ performances. And often let possession change hands to lose control of games.
Rangers saw first-hand what Lundstram is like on a bad day amid their European qualifying efforts. He started the Champions League third-round first-leg tie against Malmo well, but started turning over possession as his influence waned. Referee Anastasios Sidiropoulos then sent him off against Alashkert in the first-leg of the Gers’ Europa League qualifier.
Rangers will hope what McAlister has seen from Lundstram is the start of him turning a corner. Having, for the first time, failed to feature in a Premiership game under Gerrard at all against Motherwell last Sunday.
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