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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Jonathan McFarlane

Steven Gerrard's transfer 'jigsaw' as Rangers boss searches for his 2 finishing pieces

Steven Gerrard's Liverpool title reflections were telling in the way they both highlighted the key aspects of Jurgen Klopp's work at Anfield while also shedding a light on what remains for him to do at Ibrox.

The Rangers boss pinpointed the signings of keeper Alisson and defensive colossus Virgil Van Dijk as the key factor for the Premier League champions in ending their 30-year wait for title immortality.

The 40-year-old Anfield icon noted: “The two main pieces of the jigsaw looking at Liverpool very closely are the keeper (Alisson Becker) and (Virgil) Van Dijk, for obvious reasons.

"I think Liverpool were a good team and exciting team before Van Dijk and the keeper came, but they’ve just absolutely turned them into a world-class side and the jigsaw is complete with those two, they’re absolutely phenomenal.”

Those two players, targeted meticulously in big money moves, elevated Klopp's side at the right time with injections of absolute quality in crucial moments.

The revolution was one of steady progress - it was four seasons before the German lifted a trophy - and Gerrard's reign, while filled with individual successes, is yet to lead to silverware.

But the Kop legend knows he won't get that amount of time to turn Rangers into a side capable of winning in Scotland again after two barren campaigns.

His Ibrox squad has already shown it is capable of taking on rivals Celtic and of performing in Europe.

But the final test will be to get over the line and lift a major piece of silverware to appease the fans' unquenchable thirst for glory.

If he's to do so then the Klopp path of refusing to budge of the players he wants appears the way to go

Squad players need not apply, what is needed is a surgical injection of first team quality.

Here Record Sport takes a look at where he needs it.

Central Defence

(SNS Group)

Rangers have a back line that is more than capable of being the foundation of a championship winning side. They conceded exactly the same amount of goals as Celtic last year despite some error-strewn displays after the winter break. The main issue suffered during the 2019/20 season was daft individual errors rather than structural issues that might keep the coaching team awake at night. With a fairly young back line that sees Connor Goldson as the 27-year-old veteran of the four players in the middle vying for a spot, you'd imagine another year of experience should lead to improvement. That said, Niko Katic is now sidelined for at least the next six months and there is now a potential slot open. The big question will be: do you fill that with a talented kid like Lewis Mayo to show the youth team pathway is working? Or do you go into the market to ensure the highest level possible individual is secured? Gerrard has previously said he will always take consider better players if they come available and it has been reported he favours a new signing. An experienced pro of genuine quality to slot in alongside the underrated leadership qualities of Goldson could be the game-changer that takes the defence to the next level. Filip Helander, for all his qualities, may need time to get back to his best after an injury-ravaged year.

Verdict: 1 defender required

Number 10

(AFP via Getty Images)

Rangers' system is to play with two attacking players positioned centrally behind a lone striker. With Ianis Hagi and Ryan Kent secured they already have two excellent young attackers who can fill these slots. The problem comes when you assess what's behind them. Creative players are notoriously mercurial and over the course of a season you need depth to ensure they remain physically and mentally fresh. Back in the days of Alex McLeish, Rangers had Peter Lovenkrands and Neil McCann battling for a spot on the left hand side and if one wasn't getting joy, the other would come on and have a go. The competitive battle between the two meant the club never had to worry about performances down that side and highlighted the benefits of depth in key areas. Hagi and Kent are both under 24 and each are still essentially learning their trade. They can't be expected to produce for an entire season across three cups and European adventures and if a player of established creative quality can be added, Gerrard should snap him up without hesitiation.

Verdict: 1 creative player required

Strikers

(SNS Group)

Nobody knows what the future holds for Alfredo Morleos but the list of suitors appears to be growing. The Colombian striker's combustible on-pitch persona mean that life is always going to be a rollercoaster when he's part of the party despite his enviable goal record. Everything rests on his future. Rangers will not be signing a marquee replacement until he departs so any striker brought in is likely to be a squad option that can offer something different to the Colombian and veteran Jermain Defoe, who now faces a spell on the sidelines after pulling up against Motherwell. A physical powerhouse who can take the ball in with his back to goal and offer a threat in the air would give Gerrard an option he doesn't currently possess and is the one squad option he should consider. If Morelos is to stay though, Rangers have the 25-30 goal a season striker they need. But Gerrard admits another option could be on the agenda after Defoe's setback.

Verdict: No marquee arrival unless Morelos departs

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