Rangers: Micah Richards hails ‘incredible’ Rabbi Matondo, he reminded him of Kevin De Bruyne
Micah Richards likened Rabbi Matondo’s “incredible” goal for Rangers against Celtic to what Kevin De Bruyne did for Manchester City against Crystal Palace.
The Gers overcame 2-0 and 3-2 deficits in a barnstorming Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Sunday (7 April), with Matondo bending in a sublime last-gasp equaliser to earn a point.
It was a finish that befitted the pulsating nature of the game and Richards felt the goal was similar to the one De Bruyne scored as City defeated Crystal Palace 4-2 at Selhurst Park (6 April).
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast (8 April), Richards said: “When he hit it, I just knew it was going in the back of the net. It was an incredible finish, it really was.
“He’s just bent it, similar to Kevin De Bruyne the day before. It was just a wonderful strike. Bent it, curl, right into the top corner last minute of the game.”
Has Rabbi Matondo earned a start for Rangers after Old Firm goal?
Matondo has only registered seven starts so far this campaign while making an additional 10 appearances off the bench.
In that time he has featured across 551 minutes, scoring five goals and assisting a further three [FotMob]. This equates to a goal involvement every 68 minutes in the SPFL. A good return.
After being subbed on against Celtic this weekend (7 April), he racked up 18 touches and had a 100% conversion rate.
It must be said that once Philippe Clement had brought on some proper wingers and added some width, the game changed.
Although Fabio Silva won the penalty he had been highly criticised for failing to stay on his feet. With just 53% pass accuracy, 0% dribble and cross success he was off his game.
Two goals came after the wingers were changed as the additional width and pace caused plenty of problems.
With the Dundee game in the balance, if the game does go ahead then Matondo is well in the running to pick up an eight start of the campaign.
In other Rangers news, a Leeds-born striker has confirmed that he wants to move to Ibrox and is available on a free transfer this summer.
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