John Souttar, Scott Wright superb as Cyriel Dessers flops – Rangers ratings vs Benfica
Rangers were knocked out of the Europa League after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Benfica at Ibrox, as the home side failed to make the most of early dominance and were hit on the counterattack.
The Light Blues were in the ascendancy for the majority of the first half in dreadful conditions but couldn’t fashion many clear-cut openings, and Benfica threatened on the break as the home side were in danger of over-committing at times.
Cyriel Dessers missed the best chance after the break, and following numerous warnings in similar circumstances Rafa Silva scored after streaking away from a Gers corner midway through the second half, with Philippe Clement’s men all pushed forward, and the home side struggled to fight back once they went behind as the substitutes were poor.
Here, Ibrox News rates the Rangers players out of 10 for their performances in the Europa League.
Jack Butland – 8
Confident in difficult, wet conditions and didn’t show any signs of distraction after unexpectedly missing out on an England call-up earlier in the day. Produced some more important saves but couldn’t prevent Silva’s strike when he was left badly exposed.
James Tavernier – 7
Strong game for the most part. Good work offensively with the Light Blues pushing forward early but covered very well defensively as well despite regular questions over his work at the back. Prominence reduced after the break and couldn’t haul his side back into the game.
Connor Goldson – 6
Uneven performance. After a bad game from both Rangers centre-backs last time out at Ibrox v Motherwell he certainly looked the shakier compared to Souttar but put in a few important clearances made a vital challenge in his own box after a big error by Lundstram. Booked in the second half for a cynical push when trailing behind Rafa Silva.
Scott Wright delivers excellent Rangers performance at Ibrox after nod from Philippe Clement
John Souttar – 9
Excellent all-round performance. Made a very strong start to clear up a number of threats in the opening minutes and covered well at the back throughout the first half in an excellent defensive display. Whipped a lovely cross into the box that looked like repeating his assist in the win over Hearts as he also impressed with his distribution in arguably his best game for the club.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 6
Sent some nice balls into the box from the frank but left a lot of space behind him which Angel Di Maria threatened to exploit in one of his quieter recent outings.
John Lundstram – 5
The key man was nowhere near his recent lofty best. Central to the Rangers play again when in possession but made a major error which threatened to undo the early dominance as he lost the ball to Di Maria and then failed to track him before the break, leading to a series of Benfica corners and danger. His lack of speed was also exposed by Benfica breaks forward.
Mohamed Diomande (off for Raskin ’85) – 6
Not his best game since arriving in January. Busy work in the midfield during a first-half played at break-neck speed in increasingly bad conditions. Decent in attack but unable to show his full range and often high up the pitch to leave the Gers open on the break. Faded after the interval as the effects of a heavy workload with an injury-hit squad perhaps became obvious.
Rare John Lundstram error put Rangers under pressure against Benfica
Tom Lawrence (off for Cantwell ’73) – 7
Decent outing but couldn’t provide the opening his side so badly needed. Heavily involved in the opening exchanges and almost caught the keeper out with a shot that squirmed through his legs. Combined well with teammates to be a threat in attack but still was a willing runner to track back.
Scott Wright (off for Matondo ’73) – 9
Excellent, driving performance in a rare start, showing great skill carrying the ball and evading challenges, and was an ever-present danger during his time on the pitch. Won a corner on a dart into the box while beating two men early, then surged forward with the ball again to create another dangerous break. Fantastic turn and run early in the second half created a big chance for Dessers. Unfortunate to be withdrawn.
Fabio Silva – 6
Decent start but couldn’t produce the same sort of return on the the left as he did in Lisbon. Looked good going forward early and provided the first Rangers opportunities, including a good break for Tom Lawrence. Not enough of a threat after half time.
Cyriel Dessers (off for ’77) – 3
Off day at the worst time and offered very little goal threat. Put himself about but saw very little of the ball as he struggled to get on the end of high passes and, as so often, was offside when chances did come his way. Couldn’t convert Rangers’ best chance after excellent work by Wright early in the second 45 as he took too long and saw his shot diverted as the one key opening went begging.
Substitutions
Rabbi Matondo (on for Wright ’73) – 5
Didn’t produce the necessary spark off the bench.
Todd Cantwell (on for Lawrence ’73) – 4
Disappointing introduction as he was sloppy in possession and his introduction made little difference until a late shot wide. Perhaps too much to ask when returning from injury.
Kemar Roofe (on for Dessers ’77) – 6
Got himself involved but never threatened to deliver the equaliser.
Nico Raskin (on for Diomande ’85) – 7
Has had a rough run lately but he was arguably the only substitution from the bench that had any sort of positive impact, as he injected some energy and urgency to the midfield.
In other Rangers news, Derek Clark has been “reliably informed” of an update on a player leaving Ibrox.
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