Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz given timely advice amid Ibrox exit fears
Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz is being given timely advice by Turkey national team manager Stefan Kuntz.
The 21-year-old defender has struggled to nail down a starting role at the club after joining Besiktas over the summer, but Kuntz believes that the left-back will prosper under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Yilmaz has been linked with a return to Turkey on loan in January but had shown glimpses of his talent after finally breaking into the first team last month.
The Turkish boss has suggested that the youngster require a break until the end of the year, and that he will come to Scotland to watch him in action.
“First he had to get over the emotion of leaving Besiktas – one of the biggest clubs in Turkey,” said Kuntz, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“I saw Rangers in the final against Frankfurt so I was thinking this is a good decision for Ridvan ’s development. He has a great team and support around him but also a great coach. So I’m really sad he is injured and that this development stage has stopped for some weeks.
“If I’m right he has to stop until the end of the year then it will take some time. But after that definitely I will come to Scotland to watch him.”
Talent
Yilmaz is a fantastic young talent and the Gers should not let him go in the January window.
The young defender took time to settle in at his new club, and he did well before he picked up an injury while playing against Aberdeen.
He made a great start against the Dons before picking up a hamstring injury. There are some concerns that the young left-back may have undergone surgery, but it seems he is recovering well.
Yilmaz impressed heavily during the 3-0 defeat against Napoli away from home. He is not only quick but gets into a good position to play forward passes to his teammates.
If he maintains the form, he could easily replace Borna Barisic from the starting line-up.
Yilmaz could also get more game time after the World Cup break. He just needs to be patient and keep focusing on his development.
Rangers, meanwhile, are struggling badly under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and the Dutchman could be sacked by the club.
In other Rangers news, the Gers are ready to bid £5million to beat Celtic to the signing of one of their long-term targets.