Alfredo Morelos' Rangers showings demonstrate dropping deep was never his issue - Joshua Barrie

The Colombian forward was accused of spending too much time outside the box and a seven-goal haul in 20 starts prior to the former manager’s departure this season appeared to vindicate that viewpoint. Eight in 10 since the arrival of Giovanni van Bronckhorst is a far more encouraging return and the 25-year-old looks leaner, sharper and more dangerous than during those early months of the season.

His StatsBomb radar from league games this season under Gerrard (top) and van Bronckhorst (bottom) display this undisputed improvement.

Alfredo Morelos in the Scottish Premiership under Steven Gerrard 21/22

Alfredo Morelos in the Scottish Premiership under Giovanni van Bronckhorst 21/22

The striker is taking just under three more touches on average in the opposition box, his xG, xG assisted, xG/shot and shots per90 have all improved.

However, he is also making five more passes each game, demonstrating an increased activity when his side have possession. Take a look at his 35 passes from Sunday's emphatic 5-0 victory against Hearts.

Under Gerrard, Morelos was regularly tasked with switching play and as demonstrated above this weapon is being unleashed less frequently, more often replaced by one-twos and intelligent link-up play.

The increase in passing numbers shows van Bronckhorst’s plan was not to disinvolve the Colombian in his team’s build-up play, but rather utilise his link-up attributes while encouraging him to spend more time in the penalty box.

To use the Hearts game in isolation as an example, look at the strong red lines that link Morelos to the rest of his team. 

He was a regular outlet in possession as his team played through the away side's pressure, and exchanged regular passes with Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack and Ryan Kent.

As Connor Goldson has the ball just outside his penalty area early in the tie, the home side need to get the ball away from a congested area to exploit space Hearts have vacated.

Morelos is where his team need him to be, coming short to offer an outlet, dragging a defender with him and sliding the ball into Scott Arfield to exploit the space.

Rangers can play vertically and nearly score through Kent’s cutback, most importantly, look at Morelos breaking his neck to get into the box. This is the key difference in recent matches. 

He is marginally offside as Kent chops back onto his right foot so can’t slide in the opener.

Throughout, this sharp link-up play unsettled the visiting defence; but van Bronckhorst wants his forward scoring goals and Morelos chose his moments to attack the box wisely.

READ MORE: The anatomy of Rangers' rampant display: How Hearts were torn to shreds

Notice as Jack switches play Morelos has dropped deep to create an overload. He recognises that in this instance, his presence outside the box serves no purpose so makes his move towards the goal.

As Kent is played through, Morelos nips in front of Toby Sibbick before spinning behind the defender to enter the box unmarked, which creates an area Kent can deliver his cross into.

The 25-year-old would assist Glen Kamara’s strike from the bench and again showed the value of dragging a defender into the midfield to create room in the defence for Fashion Sakala’s fifth. 

His one-two with Kent drags Sibbick up the pitch and Kent can attack a disorganised backline.

Sibbick chose not to stay tight with the Colombian as he dropped off of the front line around the hour mark and was punished for doing so. It allowed the Rangers No.20 to attack the Hearts box unopposed and score from the edge of the area.

Morelos' deep-lying link-up was never a 'bad' trait that needed coached out of his game, rather it became less effective this season under Gerrard as the team struggled to reach previously set heights.

With van Bronckhorst's quicker attacks and increased width in dangerous areas, the qualities possessed by the forward outside of the box can help prise open defences, play through the pressure and create overloads.