“Mesmerising – 10” – player ratings v Antwerp

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“Mesmerising – 10” – player ratings v Antwerp
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 25: <> during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Rangers FC and Royal Antwerp FC at on February 25, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rangers’ heroic nights in Europe are becoming a frankly expected spectacle now, and Thursday night’s ultimate dismantling of Europe really wasn’t a shock.

Ibrox Noise takes you through our scores for yet another stunner on the continent:

McGregor:

Apart from being beaten from an acute angle, McGregor actually wasn’t called into much action. He was beaten twice, but overall wasn’t under the most pressure at all. 7

Balogun:

Ok, this was where Balogun rather expertly demonstrated why we got his RB prospects wildly wrong. Hopelessly exposed, one time which cost a goal, and showed that he might used to have been a handy RB, but Antwerp frankly bested him – gave the ball away a horrible amount. His removal was vital. 4

Goldson:

Wasn’t needed to make a tonne of tackles etc, and got a hell of a whack as well, but it was a solid night for him again. 6

Helander:

Some good reading from the Swede – showed you don’t need pace to be a good CB. 7

Barisic:

Nothing from him as an attacking sense again, but he scored another pen and he kept the balance on the left. 7

Davis:

Just keeps on keeping on – good use of the ball, good reading of the game again, and kept the ship steady. 7

Kamara:

A fine showing from the Fin who’s started to wake back up recently – got some joy on the right and used the ball well in link up. 8

Aribo:

A excellent night again from Aribo who has really started to get comfortable in his Rangers skin. Fouled tonnes, and looks a real danger now. Superb passing level. He’ll only get better. 8

Kent:

That goal v this side last week finally gave him that jolt we’d been waiting for, and Kent was back in scintillating form. He’s been better in Europe than this, but not by a whole lot. Great goal, stunning assist, and you can’t ask for more. 9

Hagi:

Very mobile display from the Romanian who wasn’t noisy but was busy and managed to be a free body all the time for his team mates. He’ll be very happy with a team performance like this. 8

Morelos:

The more matches Morelos plays like this, the more we’re starting to believe he wants to stay. The 2019 Alfie is back and he was absolutely mesmerising. 2 assists and a goal. And that was only a small part of what he did. 10

Subs:

Only two matter:

Patterson:

What a night. After getting forgiveness, Patterson replaced the hapless Balogun at HT and frankly the young lad may have just about played himself into starting. Can’t cross for toffee but he worked so hard, and his passing average was the best on the pitch – 100%. And that goal was… just titanic. 9

Wright:

Won a penalty. Can’t be happier than that. 8

Manager:

Steven Gerrard:

His team absolutely 100% showed up for him and played superbly, until that is Antwerp exposed Balogun and pulled one back. It was shaky till half time, but the second half he will be thrilled with how his men responded. The astounding Stevie G Rangers European juggernaut continues and he’s produced a team no one will want in the last 16 draw. 10

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1 COMMENT

  1. Surprised there is no mention of the calamitous mix up between McGregor and Goldson for the loss of the second goal. Black marks against both with McGregor more at fault in my opinion. And Aribo was badly at fault for the first goal failing to get goal side of his opponent. He seems to be guilty of this when playing in the middle 3. Otherwise a very good performance but worry about our creaky defence in Europe.

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