Since signing for Rangers in June 2017, it would be fair to say that Alfredo Morelos has made an impact and captured the imagination in the famous blue jersey.
The man from Cereté in northern Colombia, known as El Búfalo, arrived at Ibrox from a stint with HJK Helsinki in Finland. Not exactly the conventional route for most South American footballers aiming for their break in Europe but Morelos is anything but conventional, he is a maverick who plays and thrives on the edge. His persona and playing style is honed from a tough upbringing with personal loss as well as a determined streak to achieve success.
Arguably, Morelos has had his biggest impact in European football for Rangers, especially in the full Europa League campaigns under the guidance of Steven Gerrard. Goals and serious performances have been recorded against the likes of Benfica, Porto, Feyenoord and Rapid Vienna. His cumulative tally stands at 22 goals, with his strike in Lisbon earlier this season breaking the long held European record of Rangers legend and overall leading goalscorer, Ally McCoist.
In domestic football in the SPFL, Morelos hasn’t struggled to find the net, but his form and progress has been stalled by a lack of discipline at times and some actions cannot be fathomed. It is part of the mercurial, unpredictable nature of players like him that cannot be explained. His temperament means that he is fired up and primed, but sometimes too much and for no particular reason.
The latest flare up of this indiscretion was a few weeks ago when the Colombian was penalised with a two game ban for a challenge against Dundee United at Tannadice.
Last week, Morelos made a welcome return to the scoresheet, taking full advantage of a mistake by a St Mirren defender to score the second goal in Rangers 0-2 victory. This was his first league goal in three months and a much needed confidence boost.
The elusive goal for Morelos has been in the biggest game in Scotland, in the Old Firm clash. This is the one that he sorely craves.
Only for a masterclass from then Celtic keeper Fraser Forster in last season’s League cup final, Morelos could have had a hat-trick. The saves included a penalty kick, in a game that Rangers outplayed their opponents but couldn’t find the net.
There have been other chances in games at both Ibrox and Parkhead, there have been red cards too. In the majority of these games, Morelos’ talent and impact has been on full display but he hasn’t yet got that goal.
Today at Ibrox is the day for Morleos to get that goal. He is likely to get the nod alongside Kemar Roofe and Ryan Kent in Rangers attack and there will be chances to be converted.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard trusts the talents of Alfredo Morelos, which are undoubted, but he has to control his overall approach and do himself justice. In games against Celtic so far, it has been an unlucky 13 without a goal for Morelos.
The time is now.