I performed towards Arsenal within the Premier League for the primary time on Boxing Day 19 years in the past. Our Wolves workforce bought battered 3-0, with Thierry Henry scoring a double. However you already know what struck me most that day concerning the Gunners’ world-class stars? The sheer measurement and stature of those elite boys.
Patrick Vieira, Sol Campbell, Dennis Bergkamp and Henry, they had been all there. They had been all 6ft 3in, 6ft 4in, and I’m standing subsequent to them at 5ft 10in. I bear in mind pondering, ‘Wow’. Bodily, they had been horrifying. Quick ahead to 2015 at Hampden Park, Rangers v Celtic within the League Cup semi-final. It was the one time I went up towards Virgil van Dijk in my profession. And I bought the identical feeling as I did at Highbury all these years earlier than.
He’s an absolute monster. What a presence he has. And likewise a confidence in his personal capacity. He’s larger, stronger and faster than simply about anybody he comes up towards. Van Dijk solely had two seasons at Parkhead earlier than going to Southampton then Liverpool. And it’s no shock to anybody who has seen him shut up.
He’s bought all the things. That’s why there’s a legitimate debate about whether or not he’s presently the most effective defender on the planet. Folks say he cruised it within the Scottish prime flight. However he’s nonetheless doing that now. He by no means will get flustered. He will get examined by the most effective gamers on the planet within the Champions League or for Holland at worldwide stage. However with van Dijk you all the time really feel he has further gears.
After I performed towards him it wasn’t a Rangers workforce that had been wherever near having the ability to compete. Folks know that. We had been all the time going to be up towards it and didn’t pose a risk. It was a 2-0 defeat no-contest – and a foul day on the workplace for me.
However watching van Dijk, you knew he was a prime participant and had the world at his ft. Proper now, there’s not too many gamers on the planet who will hassle him. And on Tuesday night time, that would be the process going through both Alfredo Morelos or Antonio Colak when Rangers go into the Champions League Battle of Britain at Anfield.
Who would van Dijk relatively face? He received’t be fazed by anybody enjoying up entrance for Rangers. Colak scored twice towards Hearts at Tynecastle however Morelos additionally netted after coming off the bench and can give the Dutchman extra to fret about.
Realizing Alfredo, he’ll in all probability thrive on that. He’s extra cellular, extra bodily and extra aggressive than Colak. He works a back-line higher, he presses more durable and he’s bought an apparent purpose risk. Regardless of van Dijk’s class, Morelos can get below his pores and skin.
He’ll be pondering, ‘Who is that this man banging into me and snarling in my face?’ However that’s Morelos, that’s his sport. And that’s why I hope Giovanni van Bronckhorst goes for him up prime. Pay attention, it’s a Scotland v England derby. I’ve performed in these video games for Rangers and Celtic towards Manchester United within the Champions League.
Whilst a fan, I feel again to the Rangers v Leeds United video games again in 1992 which had been unbelievable. The percentages had been towards Rangers again then – however they received. It’s the identical each time any Scottish workforce takes on a Premier League outfit in Europe. There’s an additional edge to those video games.
Let’s face it, Liverpool wish to WIN the Champions League this season. So Rangers are up towards it. However historical past tells you that these video games are normally tight. It is going to be a British fashion match. In fact, given Rangers’ first two leads to the group, there’s a little bit of concern taking place there.
Liverpool are probably the greatest groups on the planet. In the event you had been a betting man, you’d fancy Jurgen Klopp’s aspect. However can Rangers get one thing from the sport? Completely. The final time the membership confronted this kind of sport was in 2010 once we went to Outdated Trafford to face Manchester United. Walter Smith got here up with a sport plan and we bought a 0-0 draw. So it may be executed. That’s how Walter bought the membership to a UEFA Cup Closing.
Rangers truly did it final season towards RB Leipzig within the first leg of their Europa League semi-final. I don’t anticipate Gio to play that method at Anfield. Actuality is, they’ll must defend so much towards the likes of Mo Salah, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. However Rangers will wish to present some attacking intent of their very own. In any case, they NEED to select up factors. They don’t wish to end their marketing campaign having misplaced each sport.
And for Morelos and Ryan Kent specifically – each heading out of contract – this can be a store window for them. If they need a giant transfer, performing nicely in this kind of sport can get them it, not simply turning it on towards Dundee United or Ross County. It’s a sport towards Europe’s elite so go and showcase your expertise.
What higher sport towards van Dijk is there for Alfredo to show how good he's? If Morelos or Kent have ambitions of enjoying within the Premier League, what a possibility they've over the subsequent two video games at Anfield and Ibrox. However they’re up towards the most effective workforce within the group. I nonetheless consider that, regardless of Liverpool’s defeat at Napoli.
To take something, Rangers have to take any alternatives that come their method and hope the primary man Allan McGregor has a prime night time. Every little thing factors to a Liverpool win. However you possibly can all the time dream and something is feasible in soccer. Who is aware of? If Morelos goes clear via within the first 5 minutes, massive van Dijk might deliver him down and get a straight crimson card. Underneath the lights at Anfield, in that ambiance, Rangers may simply want one thing like that to go for them.
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