Alfredo Morelos should be asked to consider his international aspirations for the benefit his club.
It may sound selfish to expect the talisman to make such a decision.
However, his passion to play for his national side, despite obviously being down the pecking order is now having an impact on Rangers.
It is no secret, Morelos has always shared his dreams of representing his country.
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He spoke of it when he first signed, with the National, saying: “I’m very young, I’m 20 years old so I just hope I can continue making progress here, scoring lots of goals, so I can be selected for my national team and play with Falcao, with James, and with so many other important players.”
At one time, Rangers fans wanted nothing more than Alfie to be acknowledged at international level.
Fans would tune in to watch Colombia games in the hope he would start their games.
Though, supporters were often left disappointed when he would persistently make cameo appearances.
Morelos time in the national fold
Morelos has been around the national squad for years now, he has never cemented a regular spot.
He played a mere nine minutes at the Copa America and hasn’t been chosen for a World Cup qualifying squad since 2020.
He has been given little time to impress and hasn’t impressed when he does feature.
This is not solely based on Morelos contribution, as Colombia have now failed to score in their last six competitive outings.
Colombia are not a great side; they don’t play as a team, just a side of individuals.
They have several strikers who appear ahead of Morelos in the pecking order.
Atalanta pair Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel join Colombian icon Falcao and Rafael Santos Borré ahead of Alfie, and there is no shame in that.
Players like Miguel Borja who plays in Colombia and Roger Martinez of Mexico’s CF América have also received more minutes than Morelos recently.
Having watched some games, it’s more like watching the Juan Cuadrado show.
There is no service to the front men.
Morelos benefits nothing from playing in this side, except from personal pride.
Latest debacle
Morelos has been in fine form since Giovanni Van Bronckhorst was appointed Rangers manager.
He picked up the December player of the month award with his manager praising him
“He’s working hard and his attitude has been really good which is a positive factor for the team,” he said to Rangers’ Youtube channel.
Morelos was called up for Colombia’s World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Argentina respectively.
Additionally, Morelos has already missed two leagues games and won’t be available against Celtic.
Rangers managed to defeat Livingston 1-0, but it took a Scott Arfield goal to salvage the result in a poor performance.
Colombia announced their starting line-up on Friday night for their tie against Peru with Morelos an absentee.
Despite, being permitted to name a 23-man matchday squad, Alfredo never made the cut, being one of the five to miss out.
Rangers then travelled to Dingwall to face Ross County on Saturday, drawing 3-3 and dropping more points since the winter break.
Rangers now look set to face Celtic on Wednesday night without their main striker.
Moreover, it is highly likely Morelos will not feature for the Argentina game on Tuesday, a considerably ‘tougher’ tie for the Colombians.
Vital league games missed
Morelos has travelled across the world, consequently missing three Rangers games, to not even make the bench.
With Rangers dropping points against Ross County, the title race is definitely on.
Every game till the end of the season is now a cup final and Rangers need their talisman available.
The next tie happens to be this Wednesday’s Old Firm game.
A top of the table clash that will have a significant bearing on the league title and subsequent champions league qualification.
The Colombia squad to face Argentina will likely be announced on Monday night to the players.
If Morelos is not included, then Rangers should be doing everything possible to get him home for Wednesday night’s game.
I’d like to think someone at Rangers could have been on the phone this morning to get reassurances from the national side.
Morelos missed the Champions League qualifier
In addition to having national team dreams, Morelos also has Champions League aspirations.
He shines on the European stage for Rangers, and is the clubs record European scorer.
Yet, Morelos missed the first leg of the Champions League qualifier with Malmo earlier this season.
Again, he never made the Colombia squad and Rangers would go on to lose to Malmo 2–1.
Despite not being chosen by the national coach, Morelos was given extended leave by Rangers.
Steven Gerrard addressed the situation saying “He is due back at some point, we’re not sure when but hopefully he’ll arrive when he’s ready.”
Not an ideal answer for the fans.
Incidentally, Morelos returned for the second leg at Ibrox and put Rangers ahead in the tie.
However, Sunday league defending at the back cost Rangers the game and ended the Champions League dream.
The tie may have been negotiated successfully if Morelos had been available for both ties.
Champions League riches are a game changer for clubs in countries the size of Scotland.
Fans were left frustrated with questions of what ifs after what looked to be a favourable qualification draw.
Other players have made sacrifices
Alfredo’s love for his homeland is commendable, he hasn’t forgotten his roots.
Nonetheless, Morelos wouldn’t be the only player who has made national team sacrifices for the sake of the club.
Kemar Roofe has told Jamaica he is focusing on his fitness for the club and does not wish to be selected.
Scott Arfield has retired from the Canadian International team.
Albeit Arfield is 33, but Canada has a good chance of World Cup qualification.
Arfield has dreamed of playing at a World Cup but has sacrificed that for the good of the club that pay his wages.
Fans perspective
Everyone respects that Morelos wants to be part of his national side.
He loves his homeland, as is evident by the great charity work, he does back home.
If he wants to continue to be selected for the national team, and use the downtime to visit family, then fans need to respect his decision.
The harsh reality is on previous trips home, to play or for family reasons, he has returned out of shape, or late.
He is Rangers star man, the club struggle when he is not available for selection.
This is evidenced by two semi-final losses to Aberdeen and Celtic, and two quarter-final defeats to St Mirren and Hearts.
Rangers attack is often reliant on a firing Morelos, he is integral to our success.
Gerrard alluded to the fact when he said “Alfredo’s a top-class player, a top-class goalscorer, and it’s fantastic that he’s still here.”
That’s not Morelos fault, that is the clubs for not providing adequate cover.
However, it is what it is.
Even if he were to lead the line against Argentina on Tuesday, it changes nothing from a Rangers fan perspective.
There would have been a few Peru fans residing in Scotland when the squad was announced Friday night.
Peru defeated Colombia 1–0, a bittersweet result.
Alfredo Morelos has the final say
Morelos wanted to be Rangers main man; he is Rangers main man.
With that accolade comes responsibility.
Alfredo Morelos responsibility is to aid Rangers in securing a return to the elite of club football through the Champions League.
He may have to sacrifice his national career to do so, or at least seek reassurances on his role.
The authorities punish clubs if they prevent their player from attending international duty.
However, surely clubs must be able to question these types of decisions?
Clubs pay the player a salary and are entitled to expect them to be available for selection as much as possible.
Alfredo Morelos has always spoke of his desire to play at the highest level.
If he wants a crack at the Champions League, then he may have to give up his international aspirations
At least for now…
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