Emerging Ibrox talent makes huge strides: Three best Rangers players in Florida Cup triumphs
COMMENT
Rangers wrapped up their winter break trip to Florida with a second win from two games when the eased past Brazilian champions Corinthians 4-2 in the Florida Cup. The Gers fell 2-0 behind by half-time before a remarkable comeback flipped the game on its head. After spending several days at the world-class IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida the Gers then stepped it up a gear to participate in the Florida Cup. Rangers' win over Corinthians followed a 1-0 win over Atletico Mineiro on Friday morning as Graeme Murty's side ramped up their preparations for the second-half of the season. The Gers used 23 players during the two games in the United States with a number of key first-team players missing the trip altogether allowing some fringe players an opportunity to impress Murty. After returning to the UK early on Sunday morning, Murty now faces a potential selection headache after several fringe players stepped up and staked a claim for a place in the starting XI when the Gers return to domestic action on January 21st against Highland League minnows Fraserburgh. Here,
Football Insider
looks at three Rangers players who impressed during the trip to Florida
Click 'reveal' below to see the January signing who has surely played his way into the starting XI
nextpage
Sean Goss
The on-loan QPR midfielder really impressed in his two appearances and will almost certainly have played his way into Graeme Murty's starting XI when competitive games get back underway. The former Manchester United youngster showed a fantastic ability to read the game and earned an assist for a pin-point free-kick delivery leading to Alfredo Morelos' first goal against Corinthians. The 22-year-old's signing underwhelmed fans when it was announced but after getting a chance to see him in action, they are much more willing to give him a chance now. While he's not at the same level as Michael Carrick - who he has been repeatedly compared with in the past - it's clear there are some real similarities with how they handle themselves on the pitch
Click 'next page' below to see the striker who kept up his great form in the US
nextpage
Alfredo Morelos
The Colombian striker has been a revelation at Ibrox since signing from Finnish side HJK Helsinki during the summer. Morelos bagged a brace against Corinthians in a devastating second-half display against the Brazilian champions as he continues to impress. The 21-year-old's work-rate is phenomenal at times and 'El Bufalo' will surely attract serious interest before too long if he can maintain his form. Playing so well - and scoring twice - against one of the biggest clubs in South America will also have done his international chances no harm.
Click 'next page' below to see how the winger who will have given Murty something to think about
nextpage
Serge Atakayi
Jet-heeled winger Atakayi has been impressing in the Gers Under-20's side in recent months and was rewarded with a place on the flight to Florida. Atakayi, 18, played the first-half of the win over Atletico Mineiro and was the best player for the Gers in the opening 45 of that game. Direct, skilful and with bags of pace, Atakayi probably isn't ready for regular first-team football quite yet but isn't far away. The emerging Ibrox talent seems to have also made a new friend in Josh Windass judging by the club's Snapchat account as he tries to make the breakthrough and become a regular member of the first-team squad. Atakayi also has a really good eye for goal and bagged a number of strikes for the Under-20's under Murty. In other Rangers news,
We’ve launched a
exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by
if you want 24/7 updates on all Rangers breaking news.