Scott Allan loses mind over what Diomande did in Hibs v Rangers – ‘Ridiculous’
Mohamed Diomande’s “ridiculous” pass for Rangers in the first half against Hibernian on Sunday left Scott Allan in awe.
Speaking on commentary for BBC Sportsound (5 January, 12:17pm), Allan gushed over the throughball Diomande played in behind for Nedim Bajrami, after the Albanian’s shot was saved by Jordan Smith.
The Light Blues were already a goal up thanks to Hamza Igamane, and despite Diomande’s superb pass not quite coming off, Igamane soon had his second to make it 2-0, prior to Martin Boyle pulling one back.
Allan said: “Incredible pass from Diomande there, the vision. I don’t know if he (Bajrami) was onside or not, but the vision to see that pass.
“Rangers in full confidence going forward, obviously off the back of that Celtic game – but that was a ridiculous pass from Diomande.”
Mohamed Diomande dazzles in first half for Rangers v Hibernian
Although Hibs halved the deficit through Boyle to make things interesting in the wake of Igamane’s 19-minute brace, it’s clear Philippe Clement’s side have picked up from where they left off against Celtic.
Starting in the first unchanged Gers side this season, Diomande and stand-in captain Nicolas Raskin have clearly been urged to get the ball to their frontline attackers as soon as they can by Clement.
Bajrami roaming alsongide Raskin and Diomande has also allowed him to drift forward into the final third, and in behind the defence to get on the end of passes such as that “ridiculous” effort from the Ivorian.
Diomande’s position in the side this term – after his £4.5million permanent move from FC Nordsjaelland – has been unclear for much of the campaign, playing either in a double-pivot or as a number 10.
However, the last game and a half has clearly seen Clement finally roll a six when it comes to finding the perfect balance in his midfield, with Diomande excelling alongside Raskin and placed just behind Bajrami.
A closely-fought, end-to-end contest in the capital is made for a player like Diomande to excel, and after already threatening to show his best, the Ivorian can make even more of an impact in the second period.
In other Rangers news, Clement has been urged to meet with his managerial counterpart for a discussion on “crisis management”.
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