Why this 21-year-old Roma starlet could be a perfect plan B for Gerrard’s Rangers

According to a report by Scottish Daily Record, Rangers are edging closer to securing a season-long loan deal for AS Roma forward Umar Sadiq.

Steven Gerrard has been quite busy in the ongoing transfer window so far and if the deal goes through, Sadiq could become his 8th signing so far.

Gerrard’s flurry of transfer activity is evidence enough to suggest that he is determined to restore the Gers’ glory next season. For the longest time, Brendan Rodgers and Celtic have been the undisputed kings of Scottish football.

Of course, European success has evaded them so far but that does not undermine everything they have achieved in the domestic arena. To end their dominance will not be an easy task and Gerrard seems to be more aware of it than anybody else.

With a bunch of new recruits, the former Liverpool captain looks ready to face his former manager next season. Provided the deal for Sadiq is completed, it goes without saying that it would be a brilliant move from Gerrard.

The 21-year-old embarked on his career with Italian club Spezia before joining Roma on a loan deal. He greatly impressed for the Italian outfit and they eventually signed him on a permanent basis. Since then, however, he has endured loan spells at Bologna and Torino.

In fact, the youngster spent the second-half of the previous campaign serving a loan spell with Dutch outfit NAC Brenda. It was a pretty fruitful period for the striker, as he chipped in with 5 goals in 12 games.

When one watches Sadiq play, it is quite evident that his positional awareness and reading of the game is quite excellent. Given his individualistic style, his presence will allow Gerrard to play direct football.

Blessed with abundant pace and physical strength, Sadiq does not shy away from opposition defenders and his passing accuracy is admirable as well. Also, he is great at utilising his brute strength to hassle defenders into letting go of the ball – a trait that could be helpful in the final third.

As far as Rangers’ current options are concerned, they do not have too many quality strikers. Kenny Miller and Jason Cummings have both left the club and that leaves Gerrard with just Alfredo Morelos. And when compared to Morelos, Sadiq is a lot more technical.

Thus, the Roma starlet’s presence will allow Gerrard to have greater depth up front and it will also help him create a ‘Plan B’ of sorts to deal with almost all types of teams and tactics.