“Shown what he can do -9” Rangers players rated v PSV | OneFootball

A titanic tussle in Govan ended with honours even between Rangers and PSV, and Ibrox Noise now brings you our scores for a really good old-fashioned football match.

Butland:

Had no chance with either goal, made a bit of a meal of one or two saves, but did grow into the match and made some confident claims. This was, let’s not forget, his Champions League debut in terms of a real UCL match. And he did ok even if he wasn’t intensely tested. 6

Tavernier:

This is an interesting one. He was actually playing as a defender for a lot of the first half in this one, and you know what, he did ok – but he did get caught more and more as his attacking instincts took over and Goldson and Jack had to cover him – was booked for a dreadfully naive shirtpull. Nearly scored but for a mega save. What was more fascinating is that without his attacks, Rangers were toothless for long spells. Shows how bizarrely the system is build around his forays forward. 6

Goldson:

We are so critical of Goldson, but aside being expertly sold a big dummy in the second half, he barely put a foot wrong. He made a tonne of tackles, he covered Tav constantly, he cleared tonnes, and he took responsibility. This was a rare excellent display from the stopper, he raised his game big time here. 8

Souttar:

A bit done for the second, but aside that covered Barisic well and didn’t miss a lot. This seemed a better understanding with Goldson, but actually, there was two defensive systems in operation; Goldson and Tav, and Souttar and Barisic. 7

Barisic:

His renaissance continues. He wasn’t stunning, but he was solid and didn’t let the team down. Struggled a little v Teze who was going for it, and Bakayoko tried his luck too, but overall Barisic’s work in defence was good. 7

Jack:

He was strong, and offered a lot of shielding and backup to Tav and Goldson – won a few powerful duels and showed there’s life in this old dog yet. 7

Cifuentes:

Only lost out once via pure power, aside this was intelligent, strong, quick, using the ball well and offering a lot of pressing. This was his UCL debut and he did good. 7

Cantwell:

Didn’t quite own the match as much as he does in the SPL, but the calibre of opponent was a bit higher. Was still industrious and matched his opponents’ level well. Some fantastic skill might have alerted scouts to his composure on the ball and played a huge role in the second goal. 8

Raskin:

A little loose with some passes, definitely found PSV’s physicality and presence, not to mention height, a bit daunting, and made a couple of errors. But overall he grew into it and worked hard as always. 6

Sima:

Ok this is a carbon copy of Tavernier last time! He was absolutely ‘dugmeat’ in every sense until he scored a ridiculous goal, and gained a burst of confidence for the second half, managing a couple of good dribbles. He still is clearly well below the level we need overall but that goal – have we just found a new mad Fashion Sakala? 7

Dessers:

Another weird one! His pressing and then assist gave the first goal, then his fantastic assist (surely offside) gave the second one, but outwith that he was absolutely dross and barely did a thing right, completely isolated. And yet, that’s the stuff that matters. So you have to rate accordingly. 9

Subs:

Matondo:

What a renaissance. We had a sneaky feeling about him tonight, and boy did he deliver again. Rabbi Matondo did it against PSV, not Morton, PSV, and that proves this lad can play. He nearly scored again with a staggering near-miss volley. Best cameo we’ve seen for years. 9

Lundstram:

Did nothing wrong, helped the side and took a sore one or two as well in the process. Good to see him looking a bit stronger and quicker. 7

Danilo:

Missed essentially another open goal. 4

Dowell and Lammers were too late to do anything major.

Manager:

We have to hand it to Michael Beale, for all the abuse he appeared to be taking during this match, he absolutely nailed the tactics and stopped PSV breathing. In a complete about-turn, Beale played a containing game – his side was a bit messy on the ball, yes, but he offered a low block while suffocating the visitors. For all their nice play, they were unable to offer a lot of threatening attacks and Butland hardly had to work at all. Beale’s system tonight stopped almost PSV entirely, and what looked like a drubbing on paper ended up a fair result. This is the first time properly, as manager, he’s flexed his muscles and shown what he can do. 9