Why new Rangers signing Scott Arfield will be the answer to their midfield woes
Former Rangers midfielder Fraser Aird has backed fellow Canadian international Scott Arfield to be a success at Ibrox. A boyhood Rangers fan, Aird spent five seasons with the Gers as he helped the club through the divisions and back to the Scottish Premiership.
Scott Arfield became the first signing of Steven Gerrard’s era at Rangers, joining for free from English Premier League side Burnley. The 29-year-old came through Falkirk’s academy before making his senior debut in August 2007. He spent three more seasons at Falkirk before joining Huddersfield Town.
Arfield helped Huddersfield win a promotion to the Championship in his third and final season in West Yorkshire before he was snapped up by Burnley. The Clarets were promoted to top-flight football during his first season in Lancashire in 2013/14. The Turf Moor side were quickly relegated to the second-tier the next season.
However, they won promotion to the Premier League again in 2015/16 season and in the last term, Sean Dyche’s men enjoyed an impressive season as they qualified for UEFA Europa League.
But over time, Arfield has struggled for regular game time. In fact, he hit a personal all-time low of merely 18 league matches last season. Hence, it comes as no surprise that he has moved up north. But what does he bring into this exciting project at Ibrox?
Arfield has made over 100 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, League One, Championship and English Premier League combined.
The 29-year-old is a goal-threat and he often plays as an attacking midfielder. His third-man ghosting runs into the box will provide Rangers with a new dimension as they launch a title challenge against holders and bitter rivals Celtic.
Playing in an area that Rangers have struggled in recent times, Arfield could make the Gers a more cohesive and defensively-balanced team. His composure and quality on the ball could have a calming effect in a chaotic Rangers midfield that has often been overrun and left chasing shadows.
Since Arfield is already used to playing in Dyche’s well-drilled side, he should be able to work defensively as well as start counter-attacks. Provided Gerrard utilizes him on the left flank, his technical ability as a left-footed player would allow Josh Windass greater freedom to play a more central role.
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Hence, signing Arfield was a brilliant piece of business by Gerrard and now, it will be interesting to see how he fares under the former Liverpool captain next season.
