There is absolutely no question that if Rangers are to keep Ridvan Yilmaz, the lad is, by some considerable distance now the number one Ibrox left back and Croat Borna Barisic will have to be content with rotation and bench.
If ever a player has had to truly wait for their time to shine, it’s Ridvan, and after having yet another excellent display at Easter Road and even polishing up his English speaking skills in media duties after the match, the Turkish international is now the toast of Rangers supporters.
Signed in summer 2022, this lad has REALLY had to wait.
We don’t think any new signing has ever had to wait as long as Ridvan in order to break into Rangers’ first team – fully 17 months the defender had to bide his time, and in the past month or so, he’s emerged clearly, clearly and justifiably as the best option in that position.
Speaking after the match in very good English, it is clear to see the lad is finally, at long last settled, and genuinely looks happy. He indeed explained he is indeed very happy to be at Rangers, announcing for the first time at Ibrox a genuine contentment at being in Govan. And he did so in a tongue that isn’t natural to him.
The boy has clearly become a man.
The best way to appeal to a foreign people is to speak in their language, and Ridvan won a lot of friends last night with his first real performance of orating in the King’s English.
But he won even more by playing so well, on what was his finest night as a Rangers player, which is going some given how outstanding he was against Kilmarnock.
And then there’s that goal – what a fine finish it was.
So yes, Ridvan had his best match as a Ger, scored a goal and nailed the interview afterwards.
There is of course so much talk about his being sold, and Verona and Galatarasay’s close attentions, but on performances like last night, he’s going to cost any suitor team a lot more than £5M.
We very much hope he stays – he’s now the future, and the position is his to lose.
Borna? You’ll just have to sit on the bench for a while mate.