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Opinion: ‘Talented’ Rangers player has revived his career since Gerrard left, he should be handed new contract
Rangers could do worse than reward Scott Arfield with a new deal.
Arfield’s contract expires in the summer. The player has for Rangers 165 times, scoring 32 goals and assisting 18.
For most of this season, under Steven Gerrard it appeared he would be allowed to leave.
However, the appointment of Giovanni Van Bronckhorst has given Scott a new lease of life and he has turned in some brilliant performances.
Arfield under Gerrard
Scott Arfield was Steven Gerrard’s signing as Rangers manager.
The Canadian, a free transfer, signed a four-year deal from Premier League club Burnley.
Gerrard added “I am delighted to have added Scott Arfield to the squad for next season.
“He is a talented and competitive midfielder who has competed at a high level in the English Premiership and internationally for Canada.”
Arfield made 153 appearances for Rangers under Gerrard, playing in a variety of positions.
The first two seasons of Gerrard’s reign saw Arfield start most games.
He was an important part of the squad, helping to deliver some special moments for the club on our way back to the top of Scottish football.
Nonetheless, Arfield became a bit-part player last season, helping to clinch Rangers 55th league title.
This season Arfield struggled to find a place in Gerrard’s squad, playing just 153 minutes.
It appeared as though he would be allowed to run his contract down and leave.
There were whispers in the stands that he would likely leave in January and possibly go to the MLS for the remainder of his career.
However, Gerrard left for Aston Villa in November.
Giovanni Van Bronckhorst his replacement, has taken a shine to Scott Arfield.
His career at Rangers may have been resurrected.
Arfield under GVB
Arfield has been a key member of Gio’s squad.
He has 90 minutes in four of GVB’s nine games at the helm, enjoying a freedom, further up the park.
GVB’s Rangers side have won every game that Arfield has featured in, drawing the Aberdeen game, which Arfield missed through injury.
Rangers lacked energy against Aberdeen, despite the winter break giving the players some rest time, the performance looked laboured.
Rangers midfield were bullied that night, albeit with some questionable refereeing and some pathetic antics from Scott Brown.
That would not have been allowed to happen if Arfield had been on the park.
Arfield is a livewire and has previous experience of getting up close and personal with Scott Brown, he is too experienced to fall for his antics.
Scott Arfield brings something different to Rangers, he has since he signed.
His grit, determination and runs beyond the striker from deep are unmatched at Ibrox.
When he is not in the side it is noticeable, with a lack of creativity from the middle of the park.
At the age of 33 he may not be as fast as he once was, but he still offers so much to the squad, he is always willing to stand up and be counted.
He also carries a goal threat as was evident on Wednesday night against Livingston.
Goal that could prove vital in an important season
After the Aberdeen result fans were hoping for a better performance from Rangers on Wednesday night.
However, key attacking players Joe Aribo, Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent were all absent, so it was a tough ask.
Arfield was named on the bench, returning from injury.
Rangers were poor again, in terrible conditions and against ten men behind the ball, we struggled to break them down.
It looked like it was going to end 0–0 and more dropped points in the title race.
Arfield was introduced to the game and brought much needed energy, he was willing to take risks to get the rewards.
Arfield scored the vital goal, a sublime finish to give Rangers a 1–0 win which could be vital come the end of the season.
Again, showing his importance to the squad in a time of need.
The manager praised his return saying “I’m very proud because it was a difficult game, very difficult circumstances.
“Scott has been out for a while but he could play the last stages of the game and he changed it.
“I’m really pleased for Scott, pleased for the team because it was really difficult.”
Arfield’s commitment to the club
Arfield is a consistent performer, always giving 100%, no matter what position he is asked to play in the team.
The fans love Scotty, and he visibly loves the club.
He is a leader in the dressing room and the joker of the squad.
He can only be good for dressing room harmony and helping to develop the younger players coming through.
Scott has retired from the international scene this season to focus on his club commitments.
Canada is in a great position to qualify for the World Cup, a dream of Arfield’s but he has given that up to focus on Rangers.
Over the past couple of seasons, he has missed games due to international involvement and travelling across the Atlantic.
It is welcome news for the club and shows Arfield is still committed to the cause despite his contract coming to an end.
With others in the squad showing an apparent reluctance to sign a new deal, the club could do worse than give Scott Arfield a new deal — he has earned it.