Rangers suffered another setback in the race for the SPFL title on Saturday afternoon as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Aberdeen at Ibrox.
There were plenty of individuals who struggled to make an impact on proceedings, but the performance of Alfredo Morelos was particularly concerning for journalist Jordan Campbell.
What’s the word?
Morelos was making his first start of 2020 following his return from a calf injury which ruled him out against St Mirren and Hearts in January.
But the typically clinical striker failed to add to his whopping tally of 28 goals so far this season as Aberdeen stopper Joe Lewis denied him with a smart save in the second half to keep his clean sheet in tact.
While it must be considered that this was a comeback appearance for Morelos, it was impossible for fans and pundits to ignore the sub-standard display.
Campbell, who is Rangers’ correspondent for The Athletic, suggested this was the least effective performance from the Colombia international for quite some time.
Writing in his regular post-match Q&A column, Campbell said: “That was the worst Morelos has played for a long time. Not often you see him caught behind a defender like he was today.”
Circumstances dictate
That the Gers slumped to a goalless draw on a day when Morelos was glaringly far from his devastating best is absolutely no coincidence.
The 23-year-old attacker is so often the club’s source of attacking inspiration and creativity, and the standard of his performances can often determine the final outcome.
However, this performance provided him with 90 minutes to build back up to speed ahead of the run in and he can be spared a one-off poor display given he has only just returned from injury.
While Florian Kamberi naturally provides Steven Gerrard with another option in attack, Morelos will need to quickly find his form once again now that Jermain Defoe has been ruled out for up to five weeks.
It’s been an ominous return from the winter break for Rangers so far, and the 5ft 10 attacker needs to banish memories of his recent display to ensure the Gers get back on track in midweek.
