Peter Lovenkrands notices ‘outstanding’ Ryan Naderi moment in Rangers vs Kilmarnock - not his goals
Ryan Naderi continued his stunning rise to stardom at Rangers in their 3-1 win over Kilmarnock.
Derek McInnes' side welcomed Neil McCann's team to Ibrox on Saturday, and they were ruthless, until the last stages.
Naderi had notched four goals and one assist so far this season before kick-off and he added to his tally in the contest.
Naderi notched the opener in the 15th minute, before Kevin Kelsy doubled the hosts' lead just nine minutes later.
The Czechia international then notched his second of the game and the Gers' third before the half-time break, but Nicky Clescenco notched a late consolation.
However, Naderi's performance was about much more than the goals that he scored and one moment will go under the radar.
What was spotted from Ryan Naderi in Rangers win over Kilmarnock?
While Naderi's strikes will take the headlines, his link-up play was the thing that caught Peter Lovenkrands' eye.
The Dane who played 180 times for the Light Blues and is a cult hero at Ibrox was on commentary duty for BBC Radio Scotland.
He noticed Naderi bringing the ball down, taking it away from the defender, before giving to Minsu Kim, who could not make the most of it.
Speaking live on their broadcast, he said: “Brilliant play, the ball up to Naderi, his first touch is actually outstanding, takes it to his left side away from the defender, who can’t do anything to stop it.
“He plays the ball out to Minsu, who is just trying to whip a ball in but overhit it.”
The fact that Naderi is not just getting credit for his exploits in front of goal can only be a good thing for McInnes.
It shows that he can also have an impact when he is not at his clinical best.
Why Naderi is the difference for Rangers' title chances
Naderi's goalscoring exploits obviously make him a potential difference maker in the title race.
However, the other aspects of his game may well be even more vital for the Bears' chances of beating Celtic to the Scottish Premiership crown.
If he can help to create chances on days that he is not at the races, and the G51 side can grind out close wins, that may be the edge that they need.
It has been a fine few weeks for Naderi, as he has shown a new knack for being in the right place at the right time, and made his international debut for Czechia.
That will only increase his confidence in his all-around play, and put his case forward for being McInnes' first-choice for the striker position.
If he continue in his current vein going forward, then his side may be the favourites for the championship, with the two-cap international leading the line.