It takes a lot to get mild-mannered Arthur Numan wound up. But he admits watching Alfredo Morelos in recent weeks has sparked a mix of indignation and annoyance.
The former Rangers star believes the Colombian’s poor attitude and lack of impact should see the striker thanked for his service and waved goodbye to this summer. The out-of-contract hitman has fallen behind Antonio Colak in Michael Beale’s pecking order, with the Ibrox boss demanding the 26-year-old show more energy if he wants back in.
The warning echoes a dressing-down issued by predecessor Giovanni van Bronckhorst at the start of the season when the Dutchman rebuked Morelos over his fitness and attitude levels. But almost seven months on – and with less than three left on his deal – van Bronckhorst’s countryman and former team-mate Numan has seen little sign of an improvement. That’s why he believes Morelos’ time in Glasgow should be coming to an end.
The Ibrox legend said: “It was a very honest assessment from Michael. I would suggest there is frustration from the manager towards Alfredo and I totally understand why. I’ve been to a few games this season and I was annoyed with his attitude on the park, particularly in the Viaplay Cup Final defeat to Celtic. I wanted him to give more.”
Numan insists Morelos can count himself lucky not to be part of an old-school dressing room in which home truths would’ve been delivered while improvements demanded. He added: “If he was in our dressing room 20 or 25 years ago under Dick Advocaat or Alex McLeish, we wouldn’t have needed the manager to step in – the dressing room would have taken control. We wouldn’t have allowed any slackness and demanded much more from him.
“There’s no doubt Alfredo is a very good striker but you need to have the full package and be willing to use it every day of the week. It’s not good enough to pick and choose when you’re ready to give your all and fight for the club.
“At a £1million transfer fee, Alfredo has been outstanding value and has given Rangers very good service. But he is out of contract in the summer and the time is right for a parting of the ways, in my opinion. Alfredo would go with my best wishes. It is up to Michael and the recruitment department to find a better option than Alfredo.”
Antonio Colak has started the last three games, bagging a double in last week’s Easter Road rout of Hibs to take his tally to 17 goals this term. But with Beale on the hunt for a new marksman, Numan isn’t so sure the Croat will still be first choice come the new campaign.
Writing in his 5Stars column, the Treble winner said: “We all know that improvements need to be made to the current squad and the No.9 role is one of the most vital areas on the pitch.
“Our club has had some brilliant strikers in the past 25 years. I played with Gabby Amato, Rod Wallace, Michael Mols and Billy Dodds.
“In more recent times, Dado Prso, Nikica Jelavic, Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller were also superb in and around the box. It’ll be interesting to see who has that coveted jersey when next season kicks off.
“In the meantime, there’s still plenty to play for. And whether it’s Alfredo or Colak who leads the line on Saturday at Motherwell, we need a result. There is so much to play for and everybody needs to be absolutely bang on it in the last 11 or 12 weeks.”
Despite Numan’s concerns, fellow Rangers icon Mark Hateley claims Morelos should be one of the first names on Beale’s teamsheet for next month’s double-header against Celtic in the Premiership and Scottish Cup semi-finals.
He reckons it’s a chance for the frontman to cement his Ibrox legacy if he is to head out the exit door this summer. Hateley told Grosvenor Sport: “Many of the players will know where they’re going next season, Morelos included. That’s understandable.
“But you have to play every game for Rangers as if it’s your last. They have to be totally professional between now and the end of the season. Do you want to go out with a legacy? Do you want to be welcomed back to the club in the future with open arms?
“This is a chance for Alfredo to go out as a hero if he can make the difference in the semi-final and set Rangers up to retain the Cup.
“I would definitely play him in that game. It wasn’t that long ago defenders were scared s***less of playing against Alfredo. So it’s there, he just needs to apply now.
“He can keep the centre-backs occupied, keep them tight together, and that allows runners to come through inside the full-backs. That’s what I want Alfredo to do, then the likes of Todd Cantwell or Malik Tillman can get the space they need.
“I remember Johan Cruyff came out with a quote, ‘If my centre-forward has to run more than 15 metres, they must be mad or stupid’ and you know what he means. It’s all about making your mark on a game. I used to do that. Make sure you win your battle.”
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