Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos made a fantastic return for the Ibrox side during the week.
Steven Gerrard has suggested that it is unfair on Alfredo Morelos to compare the Rangers striker with Diego Costa or Luis Suarez, in comments reported by Sky Sports.
Morelos has enjoyed a remarkable season. His four goals in Rangers’s 5-0 Scottish Cup win on Wednesday has taken his tally for the campaign to 27 in all competition.
But unfortunately for the Colombian, he has not managed to keep himself out of trouble either. He has been sent off four times this term – though not all of the red cards have stood. His ability to let his emotions boil over has seemingly led to comparisons with both Costa and Suarez, who are almost as well-known for the controversial sides of their game as for the goals that they score.
But Gerrard insisted that Morelos is carving out his own reputation in the game and should not put in the same bracket as those players.
“I don’t think it is fair on Alfredo to compare him to Diego Costa or Luis Suarez – he is Alfredo Morelos and deserves credit in his own right,” Gerrard said, as reported by Sky Sports.
“He is a young boy, he has come over here and is enjoying his football. The fans love him, we love him and we’re trying to help and guide him in the right way. We want him to stay here for a long time and help us be successful.”
Of course, by taking him out of that category, Gerrard is taking some of the pressure off the Colombian’s shoulders as they are two of the finest strikers playing in Europe and have been for a number of years.
Morelos is arguably on his way to becoming a very special player. But his progress may not be helped if names such as Suarez and Costa are held up as the yardstick – especially as he is bound to go through a much more difficult spell in front of goal at some stage.
And Gerrard’s comments may help ensure that referees do not prejudge Morelos any more than some would argue they already do.
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