Rangers ran out stunning 4-1 winners against OGC Nice tonight.
Philippe Clement's side racked up another three points in the Europa League with the victory.
Here's how the players rated...
Jack Butland 7
Produced a couple of decent stops from range but this was not a night where the Ibrox club had to rely on their keeper. Did his job when called upon. Could do nothing to deny a stunning free-kick by Badredine Bouanani.
Dujon Sterling 7
Seems to be growing into his role as a first-pick for Clement at right-back. James Tavernier really does have competition for his place now. Notched an assist inadvertently after a Nice error at the back for the second.
John Souttar 7
Did well to block a dangerous effort on goal inside the opening five minutes, which seemed to be confused for a VAR check for a potential handball. Another solid, impressive showing to keep the Ligue 1 side at bay.
Robin Propper 7
In line with Rangers as a whole, the Dutchman has kept his best performances for nights in Europe as opposed to the bread and butter of the Scottish Premiership. Good positional awareness and reading of the game on display.
Jefte 8
Cut inside excellently after running with the ball from deep. His right-footed shot went narrowly wide of the post in an encouraging attack for the visitors. Was exposed by the lack of cover on the left wing from Bajrami. Overall, he kept at it and had plenty of joy going forward rather than having to worry about defending.
Connor Barron 7
Cleared for an early challenge inside the area which resulted in a lengthy VAR check for a penalty. A quietly effective night for the young midfielder, who battled away as he always does.
Nicolas Raskin 9
Like a Duracell Bunny, the Belgian midfielder was full of energy and spirit in the middle of the park. On the ball, he kept things ticking over, usually passing it on to Rangers’ more creative outlets. But his game is winning the ball back and breaking up the play, which he excelled in again here. A true workhorse and a bright spark on the night.
Mohamed Diomande 8
Was alert to flick beyond Marcin Bułka to score Rangers’ second after a clipped ball over the top by Sterling. Showed great determination and his perseverance paid off with a goal.
Vaclav Cerny 8
His shot may have flown into the net with the aid of at least one deflection, but the Czech winger has been vital in the European run for Rangers. Just moments before his first-time strike he was wasteful with an opportunity, which probably sums up Rangers as a whole this season, but the attacker took his goal well – his third of the Europa League campaign. Played with supreme confidence after his goal.
Nedim Bajrami 7
Didn’t have the best of starts to the game after switching off in his defensive duties which put his backline under immense pressure. The Albanian then broke up the park with Igamane and Cerny on either side in an ideal three-on-one situation in Rangers’ favour. Showed poor decision-making though by passing to the former rather than the latter, as Nice snuffed them out. Could’ve done more to help out Jefte with Nice attacking. Played his part in a great night for the club, though.
Hamza Igamane 9
The 22-year-old was given the nod over 10-goal striker Dessers for this one by the manager. And an inspired decision this proved to be. Pre-match, he stated that his hold-up play would be best suited to Nice’s defensive style, which is to go one-on-one. Couldn’t get a shot away in a dangerous counter attack early on. Showed up well with keeping the ball alive to set up Cerny to score the opener. He then latched on to a terrible back pass, rounding the keeper and remaining composed to knock the ball into an empty net. And as if the Moroccan’s night couldn’t get any better, he won the ball back by pressing high, knocked it past the defender and cooly finished into the far corner. A fantastic individual performance.
Subs:
Ross McCausland (for Cerny, 61’) 4
Didn’t have much joy during his time on but it was always going to be tough to get up to speed with the pace of the game.
James Tavernier (for Sterling, 61’) 5
Carried out his role as captain to help see the game out in a professional manner.
Cyriel Dessers (for Igamane, 68’) 3
Would’ve been desperate to get on and involved among the goals. And so he should’ve been after bringing down a Tavernier cross. It’s the kind of chance you’ve become accustomed to him missing, so it wasn’t a surprise.
Ridvan Yilmaz (for Diomande, 68’) 5
Showed plenty of attacking prowess during his time on the field. Flashed some dangerous crosses across the face of the goal, while also getting an effort on target himself.
Bailey Rice (for Bajrami, 79’) 3
Took one for the team with a booking for a cynical foul on the edge of the box.
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