Richard Foster raves about Rangers winger Ryan Kent
Richard Foster was raving about Ryan Kent ahead of Rangers’ 2-1 defeat to Malmo in the Champions League qualifiers on Tuesday night and admits he was a “nightmare” to play against.
Despite a decent first half, in which Kent, 25, strutted his stuff and caused plenty of issues for the Malmo defence, the home side grabbed two quick goals after the break to earn a solid lead going into the second leg at Ibrox.
Last season, Kent tore up the Premiership as the Gers won their 55th title and also impressed in the Europa League.
For ex-Gers defender Foster, who now plays for Partick, that’s no surprise.
“I played against him when he came up on loan and he’s an absolute nightmare because he’s quick, his movement is really good, he can go left or right, you can’t give him half a yard because he’ll get that cross in, half a yard and he’ll get that shot away and he’s just one of the most difficult players to play against,” said Sky Sports pundit Foster on BBC Sportsound ahead of Rangers’ clash against Malmo on Tuesday night.
“I’ve played against Shunsuke Nakamura but Ryan Kent is one of the most difficult opponents I’ve faced because he’s got everything. He’s got pace, he’s got skill, he’s got vision, he’s got composure, he’s got a great touch.
“He was excellent for Rangers last season and he is a big part of the way they play.”
Incredible
Kent showed in the first half against Malmo that he can still tear it up against teams.
He could have won a penalty in the opening 45 minutes when he was brought down at the edge of the penalty area and played a role in several chances for the Light Blues throughout the game.
Fortunately for Steven Gerrard and his men, the Gers are still within a chance of making the group stages as they’re only one goal behind as they go into the second leg at Ibrox.
Steven Davis’ late strike was not only superb but it was also vital – it’s just a shame the away goal rule is no longer being applied in Europe.
Kent did well in Sweden but he can do better and we hope that he can put in those nightmarish performances Foster eluded to against Malmo’s defence at Ibrox.
He’s not the only one who needs to up his game though with defensive lapses and poor set-pieces partly to blame for the first leg defeat.
Onto the next one for the Gers.
In other Rangers news, fans are urging Gerrard to sign this player after a major development at the weekend.