Rangers manager Derek McInnes and Djeidi Gassama in action

Derek McInnes and Djeidi GassamaImago

Rangers player ratings vs Motherwell: Djeidi Gassama a man possessed, teammate's head elsewhere

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

Published on:

05 Sep 2026, 3:50 pm

Rangers edged past Motherwell in a 1-0 victory at Ibrox on Saturday.

Things didn't get off to the best start for the Gers when Lawrence Shankland pulled up with a hamstring issue, being forced off after eight minutes.

However, Ryan Naderi came on and quickly made Ibrox forget the bad news, as the striker dispossessed Alex Paulsen on the edge of the goalkeeper's box to tap in for his first Scottish Premiership goal.

Derek McInnes' side had a chance to extend their lead from the spot before the lead, but Minsu Kim dragged his penalty well wide of the target.

The Steelmen pressed on in the second 45, causing the Gers some nervy moments, but were unable to punish the hosts for missing their own big chances.

Following the result, McInnes has some interesting points to take away from the game, with varying performances from Rangers players.

Djeidi Gassama superb vs Motherwell

Djeidi Gassama had one of his best overall games in a Rangers shirt against Motherwell.

The winger is often criticised for his bad days, but had one of his good days at Ibrox, completing 100 per cent of his dribbles

He also drew the penalty which Kim failed to convert, but it was his presence which unsettled the visitors' defence.

But Gassama wasn't only useful in the final third, but was also diligent in his defensive duties, winning five of eight ground duels, as well as 100 per cent of duels in the air.

The Gers will hope that the 22-year-old can finally find consistency in Govan on the back of this display.

Nicolas Raskin has an off-day

Nicolas Raskin had agreed personal terms with Besiktas before Rangers rejected an offer from the Turkish club just days ago.

The midfielder did not look interested against Motherwell, and sat back arguably more than Dan Neil, who is more of a ball winner.

Raskin's first half performance was really poor, winning none of his ground or aerial duels, as he also made no defensive contributions.

Perhaps he is hoping to stay injury-free ahead of a departure before overseas transfer windows close.

That said, he was unlucky not to score in the second half, but the chance was put on a plate from him thanks to expectational wing play from Gassama, and a smart headed pass from Naderi.

Rangers 'question marks' flagged over Nicolas Raskin transfer decision