Steven Gerrard brands Ryan Kent criticism as ‘ludicrous’ as Rangers beat Braga

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Steven Gerrard has told his post-Braga press conference – in a video published on Rangers’ official Twitter – that criticism of Ryan Kent is “ludicrous” and that he is delighted with the summer signing’s display.

Kent, a £7million (Mail) summer signing from Liverpool, scored the only goal of the game to take Rangers into the last 16 of the Europa League – beating Portuguese side Braga 1-0 on the night in Portugal, and 4-2 on aggregate.

The 23-year-old has been criticised for failing to score more goals and lay on more assists since his big-money move, though he has contributed 11 goals in 28 outings this season – scoring seven times and creating four more.

But Gerrard slammed critics as “ludicrous” and stated that the numbers are not the only thing he looks for from Kent. Indeed, Gerrard underlined that he was delighted with Kent’s display – even suggesting he should have scored twice.

“Ryan is a player that we need that level of contribution from him,” Gerrard said. “There’s been a lot of opinions of Ryan of late, what type of form he is in, blah, blah, blah. But tonight he has delivered a real big moment, he could have had two.

“He will be disappointed with the first-half chance. I’m extremely happy with him because I don’t judge Ryan on the numbers, I judge him on in possession, out of possession. People don’t give him the credit in terms of the amount of running he does.

“But tonight he has scored the goal and hopefully that will do his confidence the world of good. There are going to be times where everyone is not happy with him, but that’s part and parcel. Some of the opinions, though, have been ludicrous.”

TBR’s view – Kent needs to produce Braga display more than not

Kent was superb against Braga. With Rangers playing on the counter attack as Braga chased the game following Rangers’ 3-2 first-leg win, the ex-Liverpool manw as given time and space to attack the sloppy Braga defence.

Indeed, Kent should have scored more than his solitary goal – though he took his effort superbly with his weaker foot. However, for the fee Rangers paid, Kent should be in double digits for both goals and assists.

Only four assists this season is below where he should be, but he is certainly improving. Performances like his against Braga need to come around more often than not, though.