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Pedro Mendes has described Steven Davis as the “boss of the Rangers team” after Steven Gerrard’s men produced a stunning 2-0 win over last season’s Champions League quarter-finalists FC Porto.
Rangers came into the match after securing a 1-1 draw against Porto away from home, but knew that all three points would give them a huge chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. They had Glen Kamara and Allan McGregor to thank in the first 45.
Kamara cleared off the line, before McGregor produced a stunning save to stop a Porto header. But the second half saw Rangers step their performance up a gear. Alfredo Morelos does what he does best, lashing home his 21st of the season.
Davis then scored his first goal since 2012, blasting an effort towards goal that deflected off Ivan Marcano into the back of the net. Former Gers midfielder and Davis’ ex-Rangers teammate Mendes heaped praise on the 34-year-old anchor.
“He is a top, top player. I always enjoyed playing alongside him,” “You can see how clever he is. He’s getting older, but he’s gaining more composure. He’s excellent on the ball, He never gives the ball away.
“He might not make the sprints anymore, but he’s still such a clever player. Him and Alfredo were man of the match. He is the boss of the Rangers team.”
TBR’s view – Does Davis deserve to stay at Rangers for another season?
Davis returned to Rangers on loan in January, before completing a one-year permanent move to Ibrox in the summer – seven years after leaving the club in the summer of 2012. So, does he deserve to stay beyond the end of the season?
Without a doubt. Not only is Davis showing bags of quality at the base of the Rangers midfield, but the former Southampton star has shown that his age knows no bounds – clocking up 25 appearances including Northern Ireland duty.
His fitness if superb, he shows the composure, maturity and intelligence of a player of his age, and he boasts more technical quality than any other Rangers midfielder – even Ryan Jack. He should be handed another 12 months.
