3/10 James Tavernier stinks despite victory – Rangers player ratings v Real Betis
Cyriel Dessers had his best game in a Rangers shirt as he helped Philippe Clement’s side to a 3-2 victory against Real Betis to ensure Rangers reached the knockout stages of the Europa League on 14 December.
It was a frustrating but positive first half for Rangers who took the lead twice through Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers but were pegged back both times by Juan Miranda and Ayoze Perez.
The second half saw Clement’s side keep up their positive momentum as they took the lead yet again through Kemar Roofe and were able to seal the game out and work to a famous 3-2 victory in Spain.
Ibrox News has rated the players out of 10 below…
Jack Butland – 5
It would be harsh to suggest he was at fault for either of the Betis goals, but the English shot-stopper ultimately had to pick the ball out of the back of his net twice.
Made a fantastic save from close range to keep Rangers in the game at 2-2 and allow Gers to push for their winning goal.
James Tavernier – 3
A strangely anonymous performance from the man who so often steps up to the occasion for Rangers. He finished the game with just a 58% pass accuracy, having failed to hit the target with just two of his ten attempted crosses and long balls, as he gave possession away 22 times. A really poor display. [Sofascore]
Connor Goldson – 6
A fairly basic performance from the defender, his passing was slightly wayward and he appeared to struggle in his duels, but it would be difficult to place the blame for either goal on him and it was overall a solid display. Nothing particularly bad, but not exactly impressive.
Ben Davies – 5
At fault for Betis’ second goal of the game as his poor touch allowed the Spanish side to pile the pressure on. It was a solid enough performance from the centre-back but the mistake cost his side on this occasion and it cannot be something he allows to happen more than once.
Borna Barisic – 4
Much like his opposite full-back, Barisic completely failed to impact the game from out wide. A 60% passing accuracy, 33% crossing accuracy and 0% dribble success rate summed up how his season has gone so far after yet another disappointing performance. [Sofascore]
John Lundstram – 6
Another solid and steady performance from an ever-reliable option in Rangers’ midfield, but this was a game where they needed more than that for the most part. His presence was felt strongest when holding on to that 3-2 lead when he became invaluable yet again.
Jose Cifuentes – 7
Much like Dessers, Cifuentes probably had his best half in a Rangers shirt tonight. It was an impressive display dictating the play from midfield and he picked up a wonderful assist with an inch-perfect pass through to Dessers for Gers’ second goal.
He was taken off at half-time, assumedly to rest him for the Viaplay Cup final, but it was an impressive half of football for the summer signing.
Sam Lammers – 4
Another disappointing and uninspiring display from Lammers, although he was asked to play a deeper role than he may be used to due to the lack of options in midfield.
He completed just 13 passes in 90 minutes of football – that is simply not good enough for a creative player, regardless of his 66% dribble and high duel success rate. He gave the ball away 14 times, higher than the number of passes he made, which sums up his Rangers career. [Sofascore]
Ross McCausland – 6
Instrumental in the first Rangers goal with his relentless positivity driving at the defence and causing problems, but it was also his failure to follow his runner that led to Betis’ second equaliser from Perez. A mixed bag and his lack of experience showed, but he was impressive again.
Abdallah Sima – 7
A brilliantly well-taken goal as he added yet another to his tally so far this season, and he once again looked a threat every time Rangers went forward with his pace. Didn’t have the impact he might have liked on the game but was a dangerous presence as always.
Cyriel Dessers – 8
His best game in a Rangers shirt since his arrival in the summer, and he will be hoping to have turned a corner after a disappointing start to his Ibrox career.
Took his goal excellently by chopping outside to leave the defender for dust before rolling a composed finish underneath the goalkeeper. It was a goal that looked opposite to his typically cumbersome performances in Blue and Gers fans will hope it inspires him to push on from here.
Subs
Dujon Sterling – 7
Rabbi Matondo – 6
Kemar Roofe – 8
In other Rangers news, a BBC pundit was stunned at half-time against Betis.