Rangers player ratings v PSV: Borna Barisic terrible, Abdallah Sima glorious
Rangers and PSV shared the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Champions League qualifier at Ibrox on Tuesday (22 August) night.
Abdallah Sima and Rabbi Matondo both gave the hosts the lead at different stages of the game, but Ibrahim Sangare and Luuk de Jong equalised for the Dutch side.
There’s all to play for in the second leg, with the winner qualifying for the group stages while the loser drops down to the Europa League.
Here are our player ratings for the game:
Jack Butland – 6
Made three saves in the game and there wasn’t much he could do to keep out Sangare’s effort from going into the back of the net. Was decent with his feet when he had possession of the ball and did not put his defenders in any danger as he avoided playing any risky passes.
James Tavernier – 4
His lack of defensive nous saw PSV get a ridiculous amount of space on their left flank and he was lucky that they did not take advantage of it to a greater extent in the first half. He wasn’t overly impressive with his crosses either as none of his attempted three found their desired targets. He got himself booked as well so could not really get stuck in on occasions where Beale would’ve wanted him to.
Connor Goldson – 7
Withstood most of what was thrown at him and did himself proud in front of a rapturous Ibrox crowd riding on every move. Threw himself into the 50-50s most players would and even faced an injury scare in the Noa Lang duel in the second half – which was won by the Englishman. He continues to leave everything on the pitch for Gers and Beale will have been impressed with him.
John Souttar – 6.5
Was in the right place at the right time for most of the game and made some crucial blocks and interceptions against a side that were better on paper and on the night as well. Proving to be the ideal centre-back partner for Goldson. However, he left De Jong during the corner and it was unlucky for the hosts, that the striker scored with his shoulder.
Borna Barisic – 3
PSV tended to take advantage of the fact that the 30-year-old was on a yellow card and he did not have the best of games dealing with their wide players. He only completed eight passes all game with a dismal accuracy rate of 36 per cent – not something that Beale would be proud of. In games against tougher teams, the left-back continues to let down the club.
Jose Cifuentes – 6
Was an all-energy display from the Ecuadorian who’s fit in perfectly into this Rangers side. His performance showed why Beale was unwilling to wait for him until January. He was accurate with his long balls as well and was vital whenever the hosts looked to hit their opponents on the counter attack.
Ryan Jack – 6
Failed to get on the ball as much as he would’ve liked and this was something PSV looked to have planned for. They closed Jack down quickly and were aware of just how good he is on the ball in the middle of the park. He still won all three of his ground duels and was brilliant off the ball, but not as effective on it.
Nicolas Raskin – 4
With a pass accuracy of less than 60 per cent, he certainly was the worst of the Rangers midfielders in the game. He lost four out of his six ground duels and failed to impose himself on the PSV side which saw the likes of Sangare and Joey Veerman take control of proceedings in the middle of the park.
Todd Cantwell – 7
Worked extremely hard all game and it could be seen on his face when he was withdrawn for Sam Lammers before the end of the game. Played a key role in handing Rangers the lead and he only seems to be getting better in midfield for the SPFL giants.
Abdallah Sima – 8
Not the start he’s wanted in a Rangers jersey but this was the perfect way to show Ibrox he’s here for a reason. Completely against the run of play, the Senegal international curled the ball from the edge of the penalty area straight into the back of the net. Even in the second half, he proved to be a threat on the counter attack and barring a few bad decisions in the final third, he will have no reason to be disappointed with his performance.
Cyriel Dessers – 7
Won’t get enough credit for Sima’s goal but did a great deal to ensure that the ball fell to him at the right time. However, until the goal, he really struggled to get into the game in the first 45 minutes. Was phenomenal when Gers hit PSV on the break and played in a stunning pass to Rabbi Matondo who scored after coming off the bench. It was a tight offside call, but the Nigeria international was online and his second telling contribution towards a goal sent the crowd into euphoria.
Subs
John Lundstram – 5.5
Rabbi Matondo – 6.5
Danilo – 4
Kieran Dowell – 4
Sam Lammers – 5
In other Rangers news, a manager at an English has broken his silence as Gers now explore move to sign international defender.