Rangers’ attacking options – our final verdict

With the exit of Cedric Itten, while Rangers’ attacking options weren’t quite an embarrassment of riches, they’re certainly even more streamlined now!

Steven Gerrard now has two front men, in Alfredo Morelos and Fashion Sakala, with Kemar Roofe a versatile third option.

There is, however, no one else, beyond youth graduates. Jermain Defoe, it’s evident to see, is no longer part of the playing squad, so the three options up top is our lot probably till next summer.

It’s clear Sakala was a replacement for Itten, not Morelos. Once the Zambian was in, Itten’s days were numbered, not that they were exactly thriving in Glasgow as it was.

Many had assumed he would replace Morelos, but it looks like the club was gambling on Alfie remaining at Ibrox, and in the end, he comfortably did.

But unfortunately he’s the only player of his kind at Ibrox – Sakala is a much more quick, mobile, zippy forward who works space well and runs behind. He won’t hold the ball up, be a target man, bully defences and win many fouls. He won’t dominate the backline like Morelos can.

And Roofe is prolific for goals but isn’t really a striker – he’s a versatile forward, who can work all three channels and occupy all roles, but isn’t great in the air and isn’t the best for causing Morelos-like mayhem in defence.

Maybe one more man was needed, but equally, Morelos is a lot of striker and we’ve got him for a guaranteed 6 more months, likely more.

Are we healthy up top?

We’ve basically got three options there, all of whom can be regarded as starters – we hope Sakala picks up, gets his fitness sorted and gels into the team. We can’t judge him till he’s played more.

But on paper, while it’s not quite Salah Firminho and Mane, it isn’t bad at all.