Rangers handed warning over one player ahead of Euro clash v Willem II
Rangers have been warned to watch striker Vangelis Pavlidis when they take on Willem II in the Europa League this week.
Ex-PSV and Holland winger Rene van der Gijp compared the 21-year-old striker to Lionel Messi and called him a ‘top player in the Eredivisie’ while speaking to the Daily Record.
The Greek forward has scored four goals in Willem II’s last two games this season and will look to add to that tally as Rangers travel to the Koning Willem II Stadion on Thursday.
He scored 11 in 25 games in the Eredivisie last season.
Van der Gijp said, “I have been particularly impressed by the Willem II striker Pavlidis recently.
“He is very good at keeping the ball close to himself when he is dribbling and dares his opponent to put a tackle in. In fact, he reminds me of Lionel Messi because he has a bit of what he does.
“He runs at the defender then seems to make a decision at the last moment and it usually seems to be the right one. He will win a lot of penalties because he invites challenges on him. Vangelis has fast feet and he’s playing really well at the moment.
“He’s causing a lot of problems for teams and will be a big player for Willem II against Rangers this week in the Europa League.”
Rangers got their Europa League campaign off to a great start, with a convincing win over Lincoln Red Imps, with goals from James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Jermaine Defoe and a brace from Alfredo Morelos securing a 5-0 away win in Gibraltar.
Willem II also won 5-0 in the opening game of their European campaign, with ex- Borussia Dortmund striker Pavlidis scoring a first-half brace to knock out Luxembourg outfit Niedercorn.
With Rangers and Willem II both scoring five goals in their opening games, it could mean we’re in for a goal-fest when the sides play each other on Thursday. Though it is worth stating that both sides will be up against tougher defences than they faced last time out.
Rangers will want another successful European campaign after reaching the round of 16 last season.
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