Barry Ferguson shares Rabbi Matondo surprise on the back of ‘season to forget’ at Rangers
Barry Ferguson has been surprised by the early-season form of Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo and has tipped him to be an important asset in Europe during this campaign.
Writing for the Daily Record on Friday (25 August), the former Gers captain admitted that he thought the 22-year-old was heading for an early exit from Ibrox after only joining the club from German side Schalke last summer.
But the pundit praised the Wales international for putting last season’s struggles behind him and knuckling down to try and fight for a place in Michael Beale’s side.
“I’ll be honest, I thought the Welshman was heading for the door this summer after a debut season to forget in Glasgow,” said Ferguson. “But fair play, he’s knuckled down over the summer and shown Beale he’s willing to fight for his place.
“He might not be the most technically gifted player to have ever signed on at Ibrox but that lightning pace he has is an attribute that will be extremely useful when Gers have to hit the road in Europe.”
Deserves credit
Ferguson is right to give Matondo credit for how hard he’s worked during pre-season to get himself fit and in the right mindset to compete for a place in the side.
There are a lot of players who would’ve rolled over and given up after the debut campaign he endured, but he’s decided to show a different attitude and looks determined to make a good go of it this season.
The Welshman failed to get on the scoresheet last season and only registered five assists in 28 appearances, with his opportunities after Beale arrived at Ibrox largely coming off the bench.
The winger showed great composure to score his first goal for the Gers in the 2-2 draw with PSV on Tuesday night (22 August) after coming off the bench in the Champions League playoff game.
Ferguson pointed out that his pace could be a useful weapon for the Light Blues in Europe this season and, if that goal has provided him with some much-needed confidence, he could prove to be an important asset across the campaign.
In other Rangers news, an SPFL side has made an offer for a player Beale wants to sign.