Ross McCausland drops 4/10 stinker, Ridvan Yilmaz MOTM gets 8/10 – Rangers player ratings v Hibernian
Rangers claimed a hard-fought 3-0 win over Hibernian on Wednesday night, with Ridvan Yilmaz the star of the show for Philippe Clement’s side.
The team started relatively slowly in a scrappy game before a wonderful pass from John Lundstram found Yilmaz in the box who took it down and lashed it into the corner at the near post to give the team the lead. Todd Cantwell then blasted in a second on the stroke of half-time from outside the box.
A quite uneventful second half saw little happen until Cyriel Dessers came on as a substitute with 18 minutes to go and scored with his first touches to make it 3-0 and seal the three points.
Jack Butland – 7/10
Super Jack! Naturally there were big concerns about replacing Allan McGregor but he’s made it look like a cake-walk. Two huge saves in the game to keep Rangers level and then two ahead, plus excellent command of his area and terrific distribution. The best in the country by a mile.
James Tavernier – 5/10
The skipper had a quiet game by his own standards but he did everything that was expected of him well. Barely any Hibs attacks came down his flank and while he wasn’t as influential going forward as usual, he didn’t need to be. An average performance.
John Souttar – 6/10
Souttar has taken his opportunity again since the winter break and looks a solid part of the Rangers defence. Never lost a header, was great on the ball and stepped into midfield confidently when he needed too. A solid showing although he didn’t have much to do.
Leon Balogun – 6/10
Plenty of people questioned his return but Balogun has proven to be a vital member of the squad, especially under Clement. An experienced head, he took a bang early on after an awkward fall but recovered well and did everything that was asked of him.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 8/10
In a rather stale first-half he was the brightest spark of all and got a well deserved goal. He was alert defensively, made several interceptions and provided plenty of support in attack too. Why are the club looking for a new left-back when he’s already here?!
John Lundstram – 7/10
Clement revealed that he wants Lundstram to be given a new contract at Ibrox and he showed why with this performance. He dominated the midfield with his passing and defensive awareness, and showed his quality with the perfect assist for Yilmaz’s goal.
Nicolas Raskin – 6/10
Helped to dictate the game in the middle of the park and was a big part of dominating possession. Went off at half-time, so fans will be hopeful it was just a precaution and nothing more.
Todd Cantwell – 7/10
Cantwell had a quiet first-half before ending it with a thunderbolt of a strike into the corner from outside the box to double the team’s lead. He was taken off at half-time also after seemingly picking up a groin injury in the first-half, but Clement was comfortable enough to take no risks.
Ross McCausland – 4/10
The youngster was trusted on the right-wing in the first-half but failed to make any impact and so switched over to the left in the second-half and was just as absent. These games will happen for a young player, but this was easily his least impressive performance in a Rangers shirt.
Rabbi Matondo – 6/10
The electric winger started the game well and had the opposition defender panicking in the first-half, but Matondo went into his shell as the game went on and became a bit less effective. Had a good chance to make it 3-0 but hit the side netting. Overall a decent showing.
Fabio Silva – 5/10
An SPFL debut for the Portuguese forward didn’t go quite to plan for Silva. Clear he’s still trying to learn the patterns of the team and his teammates, but fans must be patient. Has an instinct in the box and linked well with the attacking midfielders around him. Can only get better.
SUBSTITUTES
Dujon Sterling – 6/10
His transformation into a central midfielder has been excellent, and he showed once again that he is a fantastic squad option with a dominant display.
Tom Lawrence – 5/10
A quiet showing from the Welshman who never really managed to get on the ball and create in the way he would have wanted to.
Scott Wright – N/A
Cyriel Dessers – 6/10
An immediate impact from the sub with a cheeky goal with his first-touch. Can’t argue with that.
Ryan Jack – N/A
In other Rangers news, John Collins stunned by what ‘tremendous’ Rangers ace did in first half v Hibernian.
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