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Rangers signing this 24-year-old Championship star would be of huge help to Gerrard

Why Jake Cooper could be a smart signing for Steven Gerrard’s Rangers

Rangers suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of their bitter rivals Celtic in the final of the Scottish League Cup over the weekend.

Over the course of the 90 minutes on Sunday afternoon, the Gers were superior, dominated the majority of the game and created more. The only thing lacking from their performance were goals, thanks to an inspired showing from Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard celebrates after the final whistle. (Getty Images)
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard celebrates after the final whistle. (Getty Images)

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers will now need to bounce back quickly as games come thick and fast. Gerrard has done a fantastic job so far at the Ibrox and has made the Gers a competitive force again in Scottish football.

They may have lost the Scottish League Cup but are in the right path to challenge city rivals Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title this campaign.

However, it is well-documented that Rangers’ performances in the second half of the campaign are likely to decide their title credentials. Even though they brought in as many as 11 new players at the club this past summer, adding a couple more in January could do very well for Rangers.

The lack of quality and depth in the central defence area continues to be a nagging issue for Gerrard. Connor Goldson has been a regular fixture since the start of the campaign but he lacks a reliable partner beside him. Filip Helander and Nikola Katic haven’t been convincing, while George Edmundson is out of favour.

Millwall defender Jake Cooper in action. (Getty Images)
Millwall defender Jake Cooper in action. (Getty Images)

To put things into perspective, Rangers need a player to not only add quality to their defensive ranks but also challenge the likes of Goldson, Helander and Katic for a place in the team.

Back in December 2018, the Express claimed that Rangers had scouted Millwall defender Jake Cooper, who interestingly netted a late equaliser for the Lions against Bolton.

A graduate of the Reading academy, the 24-year-old initially joined Millwall on loan in 2017 before impressive displays saw the club turn his deal permanent.

The former England U20 international has been a regular fixture at the heart of Millwall’s defence over the last couple of seasons. He has started all the games so far this campaign as the Lions find themselves 15th in the Championship table. With Jake Cooper impressing in the Championship, Rangers must renew their interest in the defender next month.

Millwall defender Jake Cooper clears the ball. (Getty Images)
Millwall defender Jake Cooper clears the ball. (Getty Images)

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Standing at 6ft 4in tall, Cooper is a strong, physical and aerially dominant defender. The Englishman is very strong in the air and very few strikers will fancy taking him on in aerial duels.

He is yet to open his account this term but the left-footed centre-half registered four goals and six assists in the 2018/19 campaign, thus making him a massive threat from indirect set-piece situations.

Verdict

As a defender who can not only improve Rangers defensively but also help out with scoring goals, Cooper would be a valuable addition for Gerrard’s side. Thus, the Gers should go all out to sign him in January.