Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has laid down a challenge to winger Brandon Barker after impressing in the recent pre-season tournament in France.
During the 2-0 win against Lyon, the 23-year-old showed blistering pace to get around defender Jason Denayer before putting a chance on a plate for Jordan Jones. Gerrard thinks he needs to show that that type of form more often:
“Brandon has come back in an OK place, but I think the other night was the first time we saw the reason why we brought him in.”
“When he plays to his full potential he can be unplayable – and you saw that against Lyon. But a few cameos in the time he has been here is not enough and he knows that.”
Supporters on Twitter were also impressed by Barker’s performances, although they don’t think his speed will be as useful when coming up against tightly-packed, deep-lying defences in the Scottish Premiership:
⚡️ Brandon Barker retiring Jason Denayer. pic.twitter.com/U6z5UdvkTu
— Ibrox Chat (@IbroxChat) July 17, 2020
He can turn from villain to hero if he keeps that up.
— Elaine McElhatton (@ECMcElhatton) July 17, 2020
pic.twitter.com/fHHpqaKbsx
— Gary Stevenson (@RfcGary) July 17, 2020
Great pace???
— George Smith (@george_smith63) July 17, 2020
Pity he couldn’t do that in the league
— Brian conway (@Brianco77710000) July 17, 2020
Absolutely no defence in Scotland is going to push that high up or leave so few back though
— Gordon Wilson (@GordonW25) July 17, 2020
Mad Brandon
— Jamie Bryceland (@Bryceland72) July 17, 2020
Yeah but can he do it on a cold Tuesday night in Dundee
— GregMcgill (@Gregmcg29) July 17, 2020
That canny be Barker surely
— Ted_Maulled (@dg2884) July 17, 2020
@KieranBannaty22 thats no the same barker from last season is it
— Sam (@Skkelman) July 17, 2020
Just a shame that the majority of defences he comes up against will be about 16 yards away from goal and being able to run really fast won’t help him
— DaveP86 (@p86_dave) July 17, 2020
Still useless
— Connor Bow (@BowConnor) July 17, 2020
Barker has consistently flattered to deceive since arriving from Manchester City last summer. He clearly has the talent but, as Gerrard says, it is no use showing it in brief glimpses.
If the Englishman wants to have a successful career at Ibrox, he really needs to begin showing people what he can do on a more regular basis.
