Rangers news as Michael Beale hit by new live issue after Ridvan Yilmaz struggles
Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz remains a real live issue for Michael Beale as the Gers continue their preparations for the new season, according to Scottish Daily Mail journalist Mark Wilson.
According to Wilson, writing for the newspaper (31 July, page 68), Yilmaz’s poor performance in the friendly against Hoffenheim coupled with Borna Barisic’s struggles against Olympiakos means Beale has a problem picking a preferred candidate at left-back.
Turkish-Football.com reported on (29 July), that the 22-year-old had rejected approaches from Besiktas and Fenerbache with the full-back intent on making a name for himself at Ibrox, but still, after a year from his £5m move, he’s still struggling to convince both Beale and the Rangers faithful.
In the report, Wilson states: “A year into his Rangers career, however, last summer’s most expensive purchase still faces the same task. For Ridvan Yilmaz, the coming campaign must surely see a sustained push for prominence.
“An uncertain display against Hoffenheim, where he looked defensively vulnerable, has now brought some renewed questions from supporters. It’s up to Yilmaz to step forward and answer them decisively.
“Left-back remains a real live issue for Rangers. Who starts the season in that position is just as intriguing as the impact of recent arrivals.”
Problem position
Wilson is absolutely right, the left-back position must be a real cause for concern for Beale given Yilmaz’s ongoing struggles to impress and Barisic’s uncertainty regarding his future now coupled with his poor performances in the lead up to the new season.
The Croatian is now in his 30’s and the arrival of Ridvan last summer was supposed to see him begin the process of taking his place, but he suffered badly with injuries and failed to make an impact.
After spending £5m to bring him in though, it was never likely that the club would cut ties with him so quickly considering his age and it now seems as though he will have that chance to solidify himself at Ibrox.
Michael Beale has shown faith in him, starting him in the final pre-season clash against Hoffenheim on Saturday (29 July), although he struggled especially in the first half which certainly brings renewed concern.
As Wilson pointed out in his report, Beale may well be forced to start Dujon Sterling in the role, but what message will that send to both Barisic and Yilmaz about how they can redeem themselves, or could it be a much-needed kick up the backside to improve quickly?
With the new campaign just days away, the left-back position must be sorted very quickly.
In other Rangers news, first-team player told to pack his bags at Ibrox and find a new club.