Rangers player ratings v Ross County – 5/10 Igamane nowhere, Hagi perfect
Rangers enjoyed a comfortable afternoon with a 4-0 win against Ross County at Ibrox on Sunday.
Ianis Hagi, who has shown superb glimmers in recent weeks, helped himself to a first-half double to start proceedings before John Souttar added a third before half-time on 2 February.
The centre-half was unlucky after the interval to see a second ruled out, but Philippe Clement’s side completed the task at hand with a James Tavernier penalty before turning attention to the Scottish Cup.
Ibrox News rated each player out of 10 from Ibrox.
Jack Butland – 6
Very little to do, but will take the clean sheet with pleasure. Aced every pass including several long balls distributed towards the attack.
James Tavernier – 8
Scored the penalty, won tackles and duels, used his experience to guide the younger players through the game and will be delighted with a captain’s contribution, even if low-key.
John Souttar (off for Robin Propper 62′) – 8
Scored one, and was denied a second after the break by an unlucky offside call before being wrapped in cotton wool just after the hour. A rock at the back despite only sporadically having to keep Ross County out. His presence makes a massive difference for Clement’s men.
Clinton Nsiala (off for Rafael Fernandes 80′) – 7
Will continue to take confidence and league experience from another victory and clean sheet as the season becomes a bigger opportunity for young players to get minutes under their belts.
Jefte – 8
The Brazilian won duels, got forward when he could and owned the left-hand side, combining well with the terrific Hagi. Gers fans will be hoping it won’t put him too front-and-centre in the shop window.
Ianis Hagi runs the show for Rangers at Ibrox
Nico Raskin – 9
Won the flick for Souttar’s goal, did his job in the air, and dominated throughout in his 50/50s. An elegant and impactful midfield display of which Gers fans want to see more.
Mohammed Diomande (off for Bailey Rice 46′) – 7
Kept things ticking very comfortably, did not have to fly into any tackles and was dominant in midfield. Was sacrificed at half-time by Clement to allow Bailey Rice a solid 45-minute outing.
Vaclav Cerny – 6
Looked lively early on, faded slightly as it went on but did what he needed to do, and forced Amissah into a couple of saves. Rangers will be delighted to be sure of keeping him until at least the end of the season.
Hamza Igamane (off for Nedim Bajrami 74′) – 5
A quiet day for a player who has dropped off slightly of late after his purple patch. Has done enough however over the past few months to ensure a regular starting spot, and isn’t helped by being played out of position when he has shown his best play as a striker.
Ianis Hagi (off for Tom Lawrence 74′) – 10
Scored twice in what will be a huge confidence booster. The Romanian will consider himself fortunate with a tap-in followed by a deflected free-kick, but they all count and were important goals in the context of the game. Was at his free-flowing best during various attacks, created chances, and pressure on a new contract is building.
Cyriel Dessers – 6
No goals, but worked hard and won a second-half penalty on what could be his last game in a Rangers shirt, depending on what happens in the next 24-36 hours.
Substitutes
Bailey Rice (on for Mohammed Diomande 46′) – 7
Came on and was brazen in his play, denied an instant impact by goalkeeper Amissah.
Robin Propper (on for John Souttar 62′) – 6
Slotted in well, uneventful but did the job.
Nedim Bajrami (on for Hamza Igamane 74′) – N/A
Tom Lawrence (on for Ianis Hagi 74′) – N/A
Rafael Fernandes (on for Clinton Nsiala 80′) – N/A
In other Rangers news, the latest twist in the tale of Ridvan Yilmaz’s potential Ibrox exit.
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