Why Alfredo Morelos’s red-hot form in Europe is just as important for Rangers as lifting the Scottish title

The Rangers striker has been accused of being a big game bottler, a one-trick pony, a flat track bully who can only net against lesser adversaries who his side dominates, because of his woeful record in the Glasgow derby match over the past three-and-a-half years.

Yet, the Colombian’s showings in Europe give the lie to the charges which have been levelled against him by his detractors; he has been as lethal against quality continental opposition as he has been profligate in meetings with the team on the other side of the city. 

The second leg of the Europa League last 32 tie against Royal Antwerp at Ibrox last Thursday night was one of his very best performances – and there have been a few – during his time in Scotland.  

READ MORE: Ryan Kent reveals he wants Rangers to go all the way in the Europa League after five goal rout of Royal Antwerp

Morelos opened the scoring to take his tally in the competition to 23, supplied Nathan Paterson before the second, set up Ryan Kent for the third and then won the penalty kick from which Borna Barisic buried the fourth. 

In total, he was involved in eight of the nine goals that Rangers plundered during a remarkable 9-5 aggregate triumph that clinched a last 16 place against Slavia Prague later this month. He was, too, off the park for the one he didn’t have a hand in. 

When you consider that “El Bufalo” has so often disappointed when he has squared up to Celtic, his imperiousness in Europe is strange.

There is, though, a logical explanation for the anomaly. The South American is, with coaches, scouts and club owners across the world tuning in, keen to put himself in the shop window and always raises his game. 

“He likes this competition,” said Rangers manager Steven Gerrard with a grin in his post-match interview with BT Sport. “And I know why he likes this competition.”

READ MORE: Borna Barisic reveals why he let Rangers striker Cedric Itten take the last penalty in Royal Antwerp rout

Fans would be entitled to ask why Old Firm day doesn’t inspire him in a similar manner. Isn’t it televised around the globe as well? But their hero can do little wrong in their eyes. Plus, his Man of the Match-winning displays in the Europa League will be crucial for the Ibrox club going forward.

The Rangers board members deserve credit for turning down the £16m bid tabled by French outfit Lille last summer. It must have been tempting to accept it so soon after the Covid-19 outbreak given the grim financial outlook. But they saw the bigger picture, played the long game and have been rewarded for their foresightedness with their first title since 2011.

Rangers will prevent the defending champions from completing 10-In-A-Row in the coming weeks – possibly even when they take on Celtic again at Parkhead on March 21 – and book a place in the third qualifying round of the 2021/22 Champions League. No price can be put on those achievements for their followers.

Still, it required additional funding of £8.8m from chairman Douglas Park and vice-chairman John Bennett to ensure they meet their liabilities this season and will take a further £14.4m from the same duo to ensure they can continue as a going concern until the end of next term.

READ MORE: Jonathan Gould on how Martin O'Neill's team talk before powderkeg Old Firm semi-final clash left him reeling

The income from the Castore merchandising deal and the £5m investment from Far East businessman Stuart Gibson in October will improve their off-field predicament. But wealthy benefactors can’t keep reaching into their pockets to offset the losses. The business model is unsustainable. 

Rangers have to cash in on a prized asset or two and start living within their means. They certainly have a few gifted players they can make sizeable profits on. Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson, Glen Kamara, Ryan Kent and Morelos can all be sold for good money.

Will Lille return with an improved offer for the latter this summer? Don’t put your mortgage on it. The €3.1 billion deal that broadcasters Mediapro brokered with LFP, the organisation that runs Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, last year was dissolved back in December after they missed two monthly payments.

Canal+, who had an existing €332m-a-season agreement to show 20 per cent of the top flight matches, have since paid €35m for exclusive television rights until the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

READ MORE: Rangers 5-2 Royal Antwerp (aggregate 9-5): How Steven Gerrard's players rated as they clinched last 16 spot

However, the French game is in crisis. Their clubs are poised to start flogging their highest earners at bargain basement prices. That will have major ramifications across the entire European game and will drive down the size of the transfer fees paid together with the repercussions of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

If Morelos, who cost just £1m from HJK in Finland back in 2017, can give a good account of himself in the double header with Slavia and thereafter should Rangers progress it will increase both his market value and the chances of his current employers banking a significant sum for him.

That is every bit as important for Rangers as James Tavernier lifting the Premiership trophy.