Why Djeidi Gassama offers a ‘shining light’ for future of Rangers
Djeidi Gassama once again proved his worth to Rangers in their 2-1 Europa League loss to Sturm Graz.
Gassama joined Rangers for £2.2million from Sheffield Wednesday after two promising seasons in the Championship.
The French winger has shown invention and ingenuity on the left-hand side, with his stunning goal in Austria showcasing his explosive nature.
Rangers fans will hope he continues to remain fit, as without him they have a huge problem on their hands.
Djeidi Gassama the only Rangers forward to excel under Russell Martin
Gassama took his goal against Sturm Graz brilliantly to give Rangers a lifeline at the start of the second half.
Having received the ball on the touchline, he drove at full-back Tim Oermann, before unleashing an unstoppable near-post strike past goalkeeper Oliver Christensen.
- Gassama is Rangers’ top scorer with five goals in all competitions
- He scored four of his goals in his first four games
- Gassama has been one of the new signings to perform under Russell Martin
Speaking after the match on TNT Sports, Alan Hutton and Kenny McLean were full of praise for how the 22-year-old winger has adapted to life in Govan.
Hutton said: “Gassama looked positive, he took his goal really well.
“He’s been a shining light for Rangers this season, and he’s full of confidence, yet I think there’s too much weight on his shoulders.”
McLean added: “He scored four in his first four games, and when a team isn’t performing, he can’t be the only one that’s standing up and showing that personality.”
Gassama has made it a habit of performing in Europe, with all five of his goals coming in continental action.
It’s clear when watching him that he is the one player to get fans off their feet, and the Bears need many more players who can excite them at the moment.
Gassama’s performances have magnified the criticism on fellow wingers Mikey Moore and Oliver Antman to step up when Rangers desperately need them to.
Djeidi Gassama outperforms Oliver Antman and Mikey Moore statistically
Moore has been singled out for criticism due to his ineffectiveness when starting big matches.
On the other hand, Antman has shown glimpses of promise, yet Martin continued to select Moore over him throughout August.
| Stat | Gassama | Moore | Antman |
| Appearances | 15 | 9 | 12 |
| Goals | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Assists | 0 | 1 | 2 |
It’s clear to see that not only is Gassama outperforming the pair, but he’s completely locked down that left-wing spot as his, whilst Antman and Moore fight it out for minutes on the right-wing.
Whilst he must replicate his European form on Scottish soil, the 22-year-old’s raw talent is carrying Rangers through tricky matches.
Gassama has a lot of room to improve, yet he’s been Rangers’ star player in a season where hope and promise have dwindled amongst supporters.
At least with Gassama in the team, Rangers fans have a spark that they can cling onto as matters continue to worsen under Martin.
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