BBC Sportscene pundit wowed by low-confidence Rabbi Matondo in Rangers win v Aberdeen
Neil McCann was very impressed with Rabbi Matondo’s “superb” work in the build up to his opening goal for Rangers vs Aberdeen.
Speaking live on BBC Sportscene after the 2-1 victory on 6 February the Ibrox winger praised the Light Blues winger for stealing in to nick a loose ball in the Dons half to spark the counter-attack that ultimately saw him react the quickest after Kelle Roos spilled a Ross McCausland shot.
However McCann still doesn’t feel the Welsh international is playing with complete confidence for Rangers so can improve still under Philippe Clement.
McCann said (11m): “I thought Rabbi Matondo did really well down the left-hand side, nice and direct, right from kick-off really.
“He’s forming a bit of a partnership with [Ridvan] Yilmaz. His reaction there is superb, his intention to get onto the ball quickly and then continue his run, just to see what’s happening when it comes… out wide.
“That should be dealt with by the keeper, without question, but when it’s spilled there, Nicky Devlin as a defender, you’re always told you should follow in just as the striker’s are supposed to do.
“Nicky Devlin stands still. Rabbi Matondo’s reactions are far quicker, and he gets his reward with a really good finish, a really good 45 minutes for him…
Despite that the pundit added: “He’s not always had the finishing touch. I don’t think he’s fully confident and he isn’t making the right decisions at the right times, but that’ll come. He’s shown flashes tonight and his pace will always give defenders trouble.”
Matondo strikes for Rangers but more still to come
There were times in the first half against Neil Warnock’s side where Matondo looked unplayable in his approach play, so if he can continue to improve he could prove crucial in the title race.
His goal turned out to be so in a tight but vital win over the Dons to go level on points with Celtic at the top of the SPFL.
Abdallah Sima’s injury is undoubtedly a major blow to himself, Rangers and Clement but has given the likes of Matondo and McCausland a big opportunity to fill the gap, along with new arrival Oscar Cortes.
It looks like the ex-Schalke man is responding to the uptick in opportunities after starting four of the past five games in all competitions, scoring or assisting a goal every time he is named in the XI.
There is certainly a way to go yet before he could be considered a definite starter but the current signs are positive.
It is impossible to escape the feeling that there are still gaps in this squad, especially given the injury issues, but equally confidence is building and players seem to be stepping up.
In other Rangers news, two senior first-team players look set to leave this year after the manager’s latest update.
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