Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has hailed Alfredo Morelos following the team’s 3-3 draw with Benfica on Thursday night.

In a topsy-turvy contest, Rangers fell behind in the opening minute, before recovering to lead 3-1 early in the second half. However, two late goals, including a stoppage time equaliser, meant that they had to settle for a point.

Alfredo Morelos saves the day

Whilst disappointed by the final result, Gerrard lavished praise on the Colombian forward, who netted the side’s third goal.

“I thought Alfredo was outstanding for the majority of the game.

“I thought his performance was probably his strongest of the season.

“Hopefully we’re now seeing him back to his best,” said Gerrard, as reported by The Scottish Sun.

Loss of focus

The 24-year-old was linked with a move away earlier this year. This appeared to affect his focus, with Gerrard dropping him from the squad in late August.

Yet Morelos remains with the team for now, and is beginning to flourish once more. He has scored in both of the side’s last two Europa League matches, with the team looking well-placed to make it through the group stages.

SL Benfica v Rangers: Group D - UEFA Europa League
Photo by Paulo Nascimento/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Positive performance

Reflecting on the game as a whole, Gerrard admitted that his players would regret not taking all three points. He was keen to take the positives from the game, though.

“I think the progress is there and clear for everybody to see, and not just on the evidence of tonight.

“We’ve played some magnificent stuff tonight and deserved to score a minimum three goals,” he claimed.

Remaining unbeaten

Rangers are unbeaten in all competitions so far this season. They currently sit nine points clear in the league, although main rivals Celtic have two games in hand.

The club are going for their first league title since 2011. They will be hoping to continue their impressive form when they host Hamilton on Sunday afternoon.

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