Slavia Prague have been warned to keep a tight leash on ‘Colombian pitbull’ Alfredo Morelos as Czech media identified the fiery forward as Rangers' main threat ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash.
The striker turned in one of his best performances for the Ibrox side in the defeat of Royal Antwerp in the previous round in which he tormented the Belgians’ back line with a man of the match display to help ease Steven Gerrard’s men into the last 16.
Morelos has scored five times in 11 European games this season, claiming Ally McCoist’s goalscoring record in the process, though his domestic disciplinary record still leaves plenty to be desired, according to website iSport.
However, El Bufalo has been identified as a player for Jindrich Trpisovsky's side to fear, with the outlet warning the Colombian could pose an even bigger threat than Jamie Vardy after the side eliminated Premier League outfit Leicester City in the round of 32.
"Slavia dealt with Jamie Vardy, they locked out the elite striker for two matches," they wrote ahead of the clash at the Eden Arena.
"Now another mad threat is coming at them - his name is Alfredo Morelos.
"A Colombian international, heir to Radamel Falcao, a powerful attacking weapon. A guy with such hot blood that he could wallpaper the living room with the red and yellow cards he's drawn in recent years."
The report also refers to the Gers' favourite as "the devil's striker" for his clinical finishing ability and aggressive style, also highlighting his "lack of ego" as crucial to their success.
It continues: "He is a pitbull that tramples defenders until he gets an edge, then strikes with no mercy. If Slavia want to get past Rangers and into the quarter-finals of the Europa League they need to keep this Colombian pitbull on the chain at all costs.
"So far, however, few have succeeded."
