Arthur's Column // 14th March 2023

Alfredo Morelos has been linked with a move to Sevilla. It's been suggested he has agreed a pre-contract with the La Liga side. Speaking after the 3-0 Scottish Cup win against Raith, Michael Beale wasn't 100 percent sure if pen had been put to paper by the striker. The Rangers manager hinted there would be a firm update on that particular situation in the week.

But what wasn't in doubt was Michael's take on Alfredo's overall contribution in recent times.

His exact quotes were: "Alfredo has scored seven goals and has five assists over the last 14 games. "He's training really well and in the background, but I'd like him to up his energy. I need to see a little bit more from him day-in, day-out.

"When he's played, he's been fine but I want more energy in the final third.

"Can he provide that? If he can, he'll be a better option than he has been in the last few months. I've told him to his face as well."

It's a very honest assessment from Michael. I would suggest there is frustration from the manager towards Alfredo. And I totally understand why. I've been to a couple of games this season and I was annoyed with his attitude on the park, particularly in the League Cup Final defeat to Celtic.

I wanted him to give more.

If he was in our dressing-room 20 or 25 years ago under Dick Adovcaat or Alex McLeish, we wouldn't have needed the manager to step in. The dressing-room would have taken control. We wouldn't have allowed any slackness and demanded much more from him.

There is no doubt that Alfredo is a very good striker but you need to have the full package and be willing to use it every day of the week. It's not good enough to pick and choose when you are ready to give your all and fight for the Football Club.

At a £1million transfer fee, Alfredo has been outstanding value and has given Rangers very good service. But he is out of contract in the summer and the time is right for a parting of the ways in my opinion. Alfredo would go with my best wishes.

It is up to Michael and the Recruitment Department to find a better option than Alfredo.

We all know that improvements need to be made to the current squad and the no.9 role is one of the most vital areas on the pitch. Our Club has had some brilliant strikers in the past 25 years. I played with Gabby Amato, Rod Wallace, Michael Mols and Billy Dodds.

In more recent times, Dado Prso, Nikica Jelavic, Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller were also superb in and around the penalty box.

It will be interesting to see who has that coveted jersey when the new season kicks-off.

In the meantime, there's still plenty to play for, and whether it's Alfredo or Antonio Colak who leads the line on Saturday at Motherwell, we need a result.

There is so much to play for and everybody needs to be absolutely bang on it in the last 11 or 12 weeks of the season.