Alfredo Morelos cut a sorry figure as he reluctantly meandered off the pitch during Rangers’ latest defeat to their bitter rivals in the Scottish Cup semi-finals last weekend.
The Light Blues were in urgent search of an equaliser – yet in the dying embers, Michael Beale saw fit to sacrifice the only available no.9 he had at his disposal. Once upon a time, the Colombian’s removal would have led to outrage on the terraces, but those days have long gone.
At 26 years old, Morelos should be entering his prime; instead, he appears to be in an irreversible decline. It has been a dramatic and tragic slide for the club’s record European goalscorer, and his impending departure is unlikely to lead to widespread gnashing of teeth. The poster boy from the Steven Gerrard era, the difference-maker so often, is about to exit via the back door on a free transfer, an unthinkable scenario just a few seasons ago.
The Decline of Alfredo Morelos
Red Cards & Goals
The Rangers’ support has always stood firmly behind Morelos despite his eye-wateringly bad disciplinary record. He is prone to flashes of petulance rather than outright dirtiness, although the numerous reds waved in his direction were only tolerated and absorbed because of his match-winning capabilities. As the months and years have ticked by, the dismissals have dried up, but so have the goals.
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There were fewer more pleasant sights for the Ibrox faithful than the striker bulldozing defenders in the Europa League. He came alive under the lights, and his combative game-style remains unique in the modern game. He is a nuisance, a one-man wrecking ball, and his electric form in the second half of 2019 indicated a lucrative move to a bigger league was on the horizon.
Ligue 1 Calling
The 26-year-old has never shied away from his desire to prove his worth in a top European league, and a move to Lille came close to materialising the following summer. An agreement between the clubs proved illusive though, and the Colombian remained in Govan. In truth, his form had slipped even before the protracted move to Ligue 1 collapsed, and he has been unable to recapture or replicate the displays that had potential suitors circling.
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The stocky striker has always struggled to keep his weight in check – and he has been losing a never-ending battle in recent seasons. His inability to remain in top physical condition has impacted his performance, and he barely resembles the effervescent performer he once was. Numerous managers have tried to coax more from him, but his fondness for the good life continues to trump professional pride.
A Sorry Decline
On Sunday, Morelos had a chance to capitalise on a misunderstanding in the Celtic backline and dart into gaping space. Instead, green and white hoops quickly outnumbered him, ensuring a promising situation came and went. He was never the quickest, but the sharpness in body and mind has gone. It was a stark reminder of his fall from grace, and his struggles have coincided with Rangers’ domestic toil.
There is little doubt he has stayed at Ibrox too long. For six years he has donned the blue jersey – often with distinction – and a mutual parting of the ways would, in hindsight, have suited both parties some time ago. The fire that once burned so bright in the young Colombian on his arrival from Finland has been extinguished, and it is unclear whether even a fresh challenge will rekindle his desire.
An Uncertain Future
Rangers have had value and more from a £1 million signing. Morelos has netted 124 goals for the Govan club, yet he should have achieved more. It is unclear where the attacker will be plying his trade next season, but even on a free transfer, he carries considerable risk.
At the grand old age of 26, Morelos is, unexpectedly, at a crossroads in his career – and he is in danger of slipping into football obscurity.
