8 things Rangers fans learned v Bayer Leverkusen at Ibrox

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8 things Rangers fans learned v Bayer Leverkusen at Ibrox
Beale on his debut as Rangers manager (Credit Rangers FC)

So with Michael Beale’s maiden Rangers match as manager done and dusted, what did we learn from today’s visit of Bayer Leverkusen and the result?

In truth, not a tonne, but there were nuggets of useful information and Ibrox Noise picks our way through them to see if you agree with the 8 Things We Learned v Bayer:

1: We STILL have massive problems in goal. Goodness me, 87-year old McGregor still first choice, deputy remaining the hopeless McLaughlin, no sign of McCrorie anywhere. This is a messy situation and thank God there’s only three weeks till the window. We desperately need a new body in there and rid of McLaughlin.

2: Malik Tillman is the apple of Rangers fans’ eye again – a bright and inventive display as well as a couple of goals, he showed his old form today for about the first time. Can’t really take it too seriously, it was a friendly against a side who really weren’t going for it, but it’s promising.

3: Rabbi Matondo could in time improve into something akin to a footballer but at this point in time he looks like a complete waste of £3M. He’s failed to have a single decent performance since joining. Barely even a flash or impressive moment. His peak remains the friendly v Spurs.

4: Adam Devine impressed enough on his weaker side, being a natural RB, and had enough hunger to show he wants to have a chance of continued selection. In fairness Beale has no option on Thursday, Barisic won’t be in action for a while and neither will Ridvan. Just as well Devine had a good one today.

5: We remain defenceless – thankfully Bayer didn’t push the rearguard, or should we be regretting that because it’s kind of papered over how poor our defence is.

6: Glen Kamara has no intention of ‘thriving’ under Michael Beale, as much as he wants the Finn to – the midfielder was hardly in this one, and showed no sign he wants to stay now we have a new manager.

7: There was a lot of movement off the ball, a lot of good interchanging up front – Kent and Matondo did take turns, not that either of them was ultimately that dangerous. It’s good to know that Beale is changing the shape and style back to some of the stuff that worked pre-Gio, even if it’s not an overnight fix.

8: Tavernier was a big boost from the new system, even if he missed a penalty. He’s no great leader and never will be, but a flying RB is his forte and he had a good game today.

There are more, but we’ll stop there. What ones did you see?

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