Credit: Imago

James Barker

Mon 23 March 2026 18:10, UK

Ryan Naderi put in a good performance in Rangers‘ win over Aberdeen, after enduring a slow start following his winter move from Hansa Rostock.

Indeed, the 22-year-old signed for Rangers in German third division record-deal, joining from Hansa Rostock for a reported fee of around £4.7million.

This marked a significant amount of belief among Ibrox decision-makers in both Naderi’s short and long-term potential, but regarding the former of those, Gers fans haven’t seen as much as they were hoping for from him.

Prior to last weekend, Naderi’s only two goal contributions since making the switch to Glasgow came in the 8-0 Scottish Cup thumping of Queen’s Park back on 8 February.

However, the German was able to change that in Rangers’ win over Aberdeen on Saturday, in what could be the start of a big run-in for both him and Danny Rohl’s team.

How well did Ryan Naderi play in Rangers vs Aberdeen?

Naderi reportedly signed a four-year contract with Rangers, although this remains unconfirmed, but what is known is that Gers handed him a long-term deal.

Making the leap from the German third tier to the Scottish Premiership was always going to be a big one for him, so he was always likely to require some time to adapt.

However, the size of his transfer fee has probably worked against him in that regard, as fans do naturally expect to see results from their big-money signing pretty much instantaneously.

At times so far this season, Naderi just hasn’t been able to impact games, but that wasn’t the case at all against Aberdeen.

Whilst he wasn’t able to get on the scoresheet, he did brilliantly well when providing the assist for Mikey Moore’s 47th-minute goal.

He boxed out and rolled away from his marker just inside the Aberdeen half expertly well, before powerfully driving towards the box and then rolling it into Moore, who shifted the ball onto his right-foot before firing low into the far corner.

As per Sofascore, he also completed all three of his pass attempts inside his own half, took only four unsuccessful touches, made six carries with the ball and made four defensive contributions.

He also made one interception, won three of his six ground duels, four of his nine aerial duels and wasn’t dribbled past once.

Naderi should keep his place in the team moving forward

It was the kind of performance that should see Naderi retain his spot in Rohl’s starting lineup now moving forward, but the Rangers boss may not have much of a choice either.

Mohamed Diomande is not doing enough to push for a starting role at the moment, whilst the same goes for Oliver Antman.

Meanwhile, Djeidi Gassama is not playing well at the moment either, and with Thelo Aasgaard coming back into the fold out wide against Aberdeen, Naderi could have a fairly clear run at locking down the number 10 role.

Getting his first Scottish Premiership goal contribution under his belt should do Naderi’s confidence the world of good to, so let’s hope this is the beginning of a big few weeks for him and Gers.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.