The four men who made the real difference to Steven Gerrard…

Earlier we discussed the potential promotion of Jermain Defoe, and looked at the influence of he and Steven Gerrard combined at the club.

But there’s more to it. More than just those two.

If we look at Steven Gerrard’s signings since he joined, there has been key additions of a particular type which the manager has ensured came in, and their influence has been a vital part of why this club is currently blooming.

While Rangers have a glut of high-quality young players in the squad, the old cliché of ‘youth and experience’ has never been more prominent than when we focus on the vital veterans of this team.

Allan McGregor was the first – the-then 36-year old joined Rangers last May as a colossal Bosman, having decided to call it a day at Hull once Rangers came in. His leadership at the back, some mild silly indiscretions aside, is a major component of Gerrard’s revolution, and it’s no coincidence he was the first capture the new manager endorsed publicly and was the first signing of the Gerrard era.

Then we had, immediately, Scott Arfield. Admittedly, a little younger at 29, Arfield was already Canada captain and experienced at the top level of English football. Another leader.

Later on Steven Davis arrived, initially as a loan, and after a very very slow start the NI international, 34, has been more or less undroppable thanks to remarkable form since last season’s split and being a better overall player now than when he left.

And in the same window? Defoe, 36. The wily veteran was surplus at Bournemouth and jumped at the chance to join Stevie at Ibrox.

In short, a quartet of magnificent players and leaders who have become the fulcrums around which the club is built, and who act as generals for Steven Gerrard, giving the younger players the perfect blend of guidance and leadership needed.

Who better than Defoe to help with the likes of Morelos, Jones, Kent and Ojo?

Who better than Arfield and Davis to give tutelage to Aribo, Kamara and Docherty?

And who better than McGregor to shout like a madman at the men in front of him and keep them in line!

In simple terms these four men, balancing out the pitch, are major warchiefs for Rangers, and their experience can do little but aid the spring chickens around them.

Another right direction.