---
title: "Jermain Defoe could be a vital player for Rangers this season"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2019/08/07/jermain-defoe-could-be-a-vital-player-for-rangers-this-season"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Articles and Opinions"
published: "2019-08-07T09:04:30Z"
modified: "2019-08-07T22:49:53Z"
---

# Jermain Defoe could be a vital player for Rangers this season

Rangers started the SPFL season with a[2-1 win](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49141676) over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park – thanks to a last-minute winner from [Connor Goldson](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49141676).

For once Rangers’ [lethal Alfredo Morelos](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/alfredo-morelos/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/338962) could not find the target – which meant they had to rely on one of [their defenders](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49141676).

Strangely Jermain Defoe was [not used](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49141676), but surely, he will have a significant role to play for Rangers as an impact player this year?

Since joining in [January Defoe](https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/rangers-sign-jermain-defoe/) has made [24 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jermain-defoe/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/3875) for the Gers and [bagged ten goals](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jermain-defoe/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/3875) – not too impressive for a man with [over 160](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jermain-defoe/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/3875) Premier League strikes.

However, Defoe is approaching the end of [his career](https://www.90min.com/posts/6166990-jermain-defoe-admits-he-will-consider-following-england-teammates-into-management-when-he-retires) – and his best days are behind him, but that does not mean he can’t make an impact for Rangers this year.

The former Tottenham man is unlikely to start [many games](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/in-full/jermain-defoe-and-steven-davis-must-step-up-for-rangers-says-david-weir-1-4889864) due to his age, but as an option off the bench – there are [not many better](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1067555/Rangers-transfer-news-Peter-Crouch-Jermain-Defoe) in the league.

After all, Defoe has the record for most Premier League goals from the [substitutes bench](https://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/10-top-scoring-subs-pl-history-giroud-sturridge-hernandez/) – so he has a [reputation of delivering](https://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/10-top-scoring-subs-pl-history-giroud-sturridge-hernandez/) when he is brought on.

A [true goal poacher](https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/vvwz39/an-ode-to-jermain-defoe-english-footballs-great-survivor) Defoe [comes alive](https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/vvwz39/an-ode-to-jermain-defoe-english-footballs-great-survivor) when the ball is in the box – and if Rangers are struggling for a goal in any game, then Defoe is the man to [bring on](https://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/10-top-scoring-subs-pl-history-giroud-sturridge-hernandez/).

Defoe may not start many games this season, but if he were to be used as an impact substitute, then he may well score some [vital goals](https://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/10-top-scoring-subs-pl-history-giroud-sturridge-hernandez/) for the Gers this year.