Joe Roberts

Fri 6 October 2023 11:10, UK

BBC Pundits Derek Ferguson and Steven Thompson have raved about Abdallah Sima’s performance against Aris Limassol despite the Rangers defeat.

Writing on BBC Sport’s live blog (5 October), the pair waxed lyrical about the Brighton loanee’s second-half headed strike which gave the Gers an ultimately wasted chance for a comeback.

Rangers’ performance in Cyprus was widely criticised and added to their recent woes, but Sima proved to be a highlight after earning his sixth goal of the season.

Derek Ferguson said: “Sima gets real power on the header. He’s been Rangers’ best player and he gets himself on the scoresheet deservedly.”

Steven Thompson said: “I’d have been proud of that one! Perfect header. The ball from Lundstram is into a good area, but Sima still has a lot to do. He headers it back across the keeper – a textbook header and a lifeline for Rangers.”

Important player

Sima has flown somewhat under the radar at Ibrox this season. Being just a loan player, the Ibrox faithful were perhaps more eager to see what their permanent signings could bring to the table, but it has been the man from the south coast of England to emerged as Rangers’ most lethal attacking threat.

The 22-year-old’s six-goal haul in all competitions would be embarrassing to the Gers’ other attacking talent. In more minutes, Cyriel Dessers has managed just half of Sima’s tally and Sam Lammers just one goal.

Rangers fans would have been wishing that Sima was the permanent signing when his head latched onto John Lundstram’s whipped cross from outside the area. While Sima was unchallenged in the box, he got more than enough power on the shot to trouble Vana in the Limassol goal, but the accuracy proved too much.

While the club may be struggling as a whole right now, the players must dig deep to ensure performances improve, and Sima is one of the few who can hold their head high.

In other Rangers news, Derek Ferguson raged after a Gers incident against Aris Limassol.