[ad_pod ]
Nacho Novo has opened up about his friend Alfredo Morelos this week in light of his most recent showing against Kilmarnock, which saw him make the headlines in typically controversial fashion.
What’s the word?
The Colombian goal machine simply cannot stay out of the limelight. Whether he is scoring goals, getting into disputes with the opposition or, as is so often the case, a bit of both, Morelos is a man who is never too far away from the headlines.
Kirk Broadfoot, a former Rangers player, managed to provoke the volatile attacker on Saturday, but the incident did not see either player go into the referee’s book.
In an interview with Evening Times, Novo gave his verdict on the confrontation and suggested that Broadfoot’s decision to trod on Morelos’ heel was premeditated.
“That’s been planned. Kirk knows how to wind people up and that’s what it’s all about.
“Players are going to target strong personalities and wait for a reaction. Everybody wants to win a game and if you can get rid of the other team’s top goalscorer it’s a big help.”
Hot-headed reputation will cause problems – time to cash in?
While Novo is not directly suggesting that the Kilmarnock man’s premeditated attempt to rattle Morelos is part of a wider problem, there is no doubt that every defender in the division will be inclined to rile him up.
Does Steven Gerrard want Rangers to be defined by recurring stories over Morelos and his ability to keep a cool head? The damage has already been done to his reputation and defenders will actively look to exploit his weak spot in any way possible, as Novo has alluded to.
Interest from across Europe is likely to emerge in the summer months and Gerrard will be faced with a huge dilemma if and when it comes around, with the Rangers chief likely to be torn over the 22-year-old’s future.
An acute awareness of how his star striker will be targeted by SPFL defenders may well force him to cash in if a substantial offer arrives.
