Following on from our earlier piece in which we praised Jermain Defoe’s influence in helping Alfredo Morelos move on from the petulance of last season and mature into an increasingly dignified Rangers star, we also have another reason as to why Morelos has grown so much over the course of the past four months:
The exit of Daniel Candeias.
It is a well-known fact these two were an absolute clique at Ibrox, best buddies and Candeias was borderline Morelos’ mouthpiece and translator.
Candeias also had a very potent petulant streak in him, and despite Morelos’ blatant moments of antagonism, the Portuguese got away with many of his own and never got called on them at all. He was simply never the centre of attention the way Morelos was, and we can’t help feeling Candeias was a major part of the temperamental nature of the Colombian.
This is not to say the winger was toxic – we’re sure he’s a decent guy, but somehow these two rubbed off on each other, especially Candeias on Morelos, and there can be absolutely no coincidence that Morelos hasn’t had a single major flare up since Candeias moved on.
He has still had a few bookings – he is after all a passionate player and he will always get stuck in. He’s physical, and we shall not take that part of his game away.
But the sheer aggressive confrontational style has faded massively, and the timing of Candeias’ exit is surely a major contributor.
It’s funny – we truly thought the Portuguese’ departure would be a negative in terms of the influence it could have on the team – it’s been quite the opposite, especially in Morelos’ case, and while there’s no doubt Jermain Defoe has done a great job with the 23-year old, Candeias’ exit really cannot be underestimated either.
Every cloud…
Regarding Morelos credit where its due with him turning this around by himself and the help of the gaffer am not so sure about Candeais influence. However what I will say is that it is evident Tav is missing Candy man Candy man at times may not have amazing ability but boy he could graft and his relationship on the right with Tav is one we are sorely missing and no dis respect to OJO. He seems to be holding back am just hoping he reaises how good he can be. Candy man for me is a loss
Couldn't agree more. I think Candeais is being missed in more than one way although having signed Ojo it was likely Candeais was going to get little playing time no matter what.
Alfie was sidelined for 6 weeks, his right to a starting slot no matter what he did was clearly gone, he was dropped from his national squad and he lost any opportunity for a big move to the EPL he might have had all clearly due to his indiscipline. I think having someone of Defoe's experience, talent and discipline on and off the park, along with an indisputable legend of the game in Gerrard providing impeccable examples of what he could achieve has brought Alfie to his senses. It also has to be remembered that until Defoe found his feet later on in the season Alfie was effectively our only striker, the pressure on such a young player would have been huge. This season he's in a friendly competition with Defoe to see who can score more. Pressures off.
I can't see any connection between Candeais leaving and Alfie's new found maturity, but no matter what the cause is it's increasing his value more and more as the season goes on.
Maybe Alfredo has just 'wised-up' to the dirty tricks of the neanderthals in the SPFL, the likes of Broadfoot and Broony. Who push their weight about, at every opportunity.
The only person responsible for Morelos behaviour is Morelos. Nothing to do with Candeias, who in fact was seen on occasions during games trying to calm Alfredo down.
Stevie definitely has had an influence in helping Morelos change his behaviour, but ultimately Morelos and no-one else is responsible for how he behaves.
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