The Steven Gerrard hybrid Rangers system that has wowed Ballon d'Or organisers

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The former Liverpool midfielder has been catching the eye across the continent this season.

 

Given his past there was always going to be plenty of interest in Steven Gerrard's managerial fortunes in Liverpool.

Interest isn't just limited to Merseyside and Clydeside though, as the Rangers manager has been hailed as "a future great coach" by respected magazine France Football.

The bi-weekly publication has been going since 1946, and organises the Ballon d'Or every season.

Ahead of tomorrow's top of the table clash with Celtic they've taken a look at the Rangers boss in an article titled 'The Steven Gerrard method'.

Paying tribute to his "constant progression", France Football believes that the former midfielder "has all the assets of a future great coach".

They write that Gerrard has "clearly defined principles of play which suggest that the coach could live up to the expectations that his status as a legendary player gave rise to".

The Ibrox gaffer has impressed tactically, with the French publication diving into "a slightly asymmetrical system" where Ryan Kent provides width on the left, but his counterpart on the right supports either Alfredo Morelos or Jermain Defoe.

That allows James Tavernier to get forward on the overlap beyond "a winger in name only" which the respected magazine calls "a slightly hybrid system" with "high pressing and constant intensity".

France Football also points to Gerrard improving since his arrival, noting that now "even when Rangers aren't having a good day, they win".

Last season was the Rangers manager's first in the dugout and it's noted that he "was not always inspired in his choices" but now "Gerrard seems to have crossed a real milestone at this level".

As evidence they point to the fact that Gers substitutes have scored 12 goals in 36 games so far this season.

France Football points out that Rangers have lost just three games across all competitions this season and taken 2.61 points per game in the league, whereas Walter Smith's title winning side of 2010-11 lost nine games in all competitions.

Rangers will face Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday as they look to close the gap on their rivals at the top of the Premiership.

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steven-gerrard-hybrid-rangers-system-21176195