Nobody really expected Jermain Defoe to make his debut against HJK Helsinki of all teams this weekend, but Rangers fans finally got a glimpse of the January signing during yesterday’s friendly.
Defoe was due to feature against Cowdenbeath on Friday but the game was controversially called off because of a frozen pitch, leaving Steven Gerrard fielding much of his intended team in the first half against our Finnish visitors on Sunday.
It gave supporters a chance to see Defoe in action, with Gerrard opting to go with a change of formation to accommodate both the January signing and Alfredo Morelos.
The performance looked a bit disjointed at times but Defoe’s class was noticeable, especially his movement off the ball, often finding himself in space that could have seen him punish the opposition if found more often by his teammates.
He will take a few games to get up to match fitness but supporters are hopeful he will be just the ticket in the second half of the season.
These fans took to Twitter yesterday to share their thoughts…
Great movement today JD, you and Alfie are going to terrorise the SPFL defenders….go and get us 3pts against Killie 👍🏻🇬🇧
— TheJack all 🇬🇧 (@Toddybearblue) January 20, 2019
Well played the day ????????Welcome to the World’s Most Successful Club ????⚪????????????????
— Claire Paterson (@babeclaire1) January 20, 2019
Great to see you in our famous jersey today, hopefully you will help us to get 55 and more! Great first half and the cream always rises to the top! WATP
— Craig Campbell (@campbell253) January 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/BluenoseDefoe/status/1086996699078369280
Good wee run out the first half. Once Defoe gets his match sharpness his movement in and around the box will pay dividends. Wee bit sloppy at the back but a formation change can do that. Would like to see a few changes including Katie coming on 👍
— Drew Mair (@gimmi_sum_mair) January 20, 2019
Defoe's movement is world class as you would expect being from the Premier League.. A few times if we had a Barry Ferguson ,Defoe would have been in a few times . i watched Jermain and if we can find him when he wants it then we will benefit big time .
— Ricky Menzies (@rickymenzies23) January 20, 2019
Defoe's movement will prove lethal this season.
— Albertz11legend (@Vertigo_RM) January 20, 2019