Barry Ferguson gushes over Ridvan Yilmaz, now a ‘proper Rangers player’
Barry Ferguson believes Ridvan Yilmaz is now a “proper Rangers player” despite a slow start to life at Ibrox since joining in July 2022.
The full-back has experienced a significant rise in form this season, especially since the appointment of Philippe Clement in October, becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet.
It remains uncertain whether Yilmaz will be fit enough to face Old Firm rivals Celtic on Sunday 7 April, having suffered an injury with Turkey during the international break, but there is hope still.
Writing for Daily Record on Friday (29 March), Ferguson said: “It’s good news that Ridvan Yilmaz could be back for the Old Firm game because the little man has made a huge impression ever since the winter break and has nailed down the left back berth for himself.
“He’s been a slow burner – and that can happen with any young player adjusting to life in a new country – but he’s a proper Rangers player now and I’m sure the manager will want him back fit as quickly as possible.”
Is Ridvan Yilmaz one of the first names on Philippe Clement’s teamsheet at Rangers?
The 22-year-old has experienced a rollercoaster of a career at Ibrox so far, having made just three Scottish Premiership starts during the 2022/23 campaign.
Although Yilmaz only has 15 league starts to his name this season, and seven substitute appearances, it feels as though he has cemented himself in Clement’s starting XI, when fit at least.
Adding a significant amount of threat to Rangers’ attack, offering a completely different output to club captain James Tavernier on the opposite flank, Yilmaz is now a really important part of the squad.
Seeing him substituted 27 minutes into Turkey’s friendly against Hungary during the international break would have been a serious blow at Ibrox, considering how key he has been recently.
However, it seems that the potential injury may not be as bad as first thought, with the potential of being available for the Old Firm derby. Borna Barisic would be a more than able deputy but Yilmaz will be the preferred starter at left-back.
In other Rangers news, European league giants have started their summer transfer activity and have launched a bid for a first-team Gers player with an update shared on his decision.
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