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News
‘Mentality I really like’: Steven Gerrard wowed by Rangers star who always ‘works his socks off’
Glasgow Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has waxed lyrical about Ibrox forward Kemar Roofe, who has been in superb form for the Light Blues lately.
The 27-year-old joined the Scottish Premiership leaders in the summer from Anderlecht for a reported €5million (£4.5million) fee.
Roofe needed some time to get up to speed at Rangers due to lack of game time prior to his move, his 2019-20 campaign hampered by injury issues.
However, the former Leeds ace is now shining for the Gers, boasting an amazing from 18 competitive games in all competitions.
Roofe has netted spectacular goals, such as his wonder-strike against Standard Liege in October, as well as simpler ones, like the close-range finish at St Johnstone.
Gerrard was every bit as pleased with the latter, telling : “Sometimes when you have got strikers, they are the best goals for me because that is what you want them to do.
“Obviously Kemar has scored some bangers this season from outside the box, which is pleasing and I am sure they will be his favourites.
“But, for me, when you have got a number nine and you are taking shots, it is important you are in the right place.
“It bounced off the keeper and if he is not there then it is cleared away. I think that is just as important a goal as scoring from outside the box, so it was really pleasing to see.
“We altered his role on Wednesday night and he was in a great place. We wanted to bring more technical players in to try and open them up and that has worked.
“Kemar is certainly playing well, he is enjoying it and he is happy. He is fit. When he first came, he was carrying a few niggles but they are clear at the moment.
“Touch wood, he stays fit and if he does then he will be a real handful at this level.
“He works his socks off, he does everything out of possession that you ask of him, he is clever and bright and he can create and score. He has got the mentality I really like in a player.”
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Prior to his switch to Rangers, Roofe hadn’t played a competitive game since December 27 last year when he picked up an injury playing for Anderlecht, so it’s no surprise that he had to be eased into action.
It was more than worth the wait as he is now proving an indispensable member of Gerrard’s side, which is currently very much on course for title number 55 and also shining in the Europa League.