Rangers player ratings vs Hamburg as Lammers shines again and Yfeko makes an impression

Rangers got back to winning ways in pre-season with 2-1 victory against Hamburg at Ibrox.

Whilst still being far off from the perfect display we constantly crave as Rangers supporters, it provided plenty of bright spots just two weeks out from the league opener away to Kilmarnock.

Goals from Fashion Sakala and a penalty from James Tavernier towards the end of the first half made for a more comfortable second 45 minutes, with Hamburg only getting a consolation with virtually the last kick of the ball via a superb 20 yard freekick from Jean-Luc Dompe.

Cyriel Dessers was able to get his first minutes in a Rangers jersey as a second half substitute, with Kemar Roofe and Tom Lawrence also making their returns from injury off the bench.

With 21 players in total featuring in the game, here are the player ratings for the Rangers team vs Hamburg.

Starting 11

Jack Butland – 6

Bar one smart stop in the second half to his left hand side, had barely little to do all game bar picking out Dompe’s stunner right at the death that left him with no chance.

Ability to sweep up the play behind the centre back will give Rangers something that they’ve greatly missed in that position in recent seasons

James Tavernier – 6

Not the captain’s best opening 45 minutes as he gave the ball away needlessly twice within the space of five minutes that left the defence stretched.

Converted the penalty in trademark fashion.

Leon Balogun – 6

The Nigerian international was making the first start of his second spell at the club, and did the simple things well.

Subbed at half time for Souttar.

Ben Davies – 6

Despite a moment of hesitation early on that led to a Hamburg counter, Davies played one of his best games in a while as he nullifed any threat the away side tried to pose in behind.

Looked much more comfortable next to Yilmaz than Barisic.

Ridvan Yilmaz – 8

Another terrific display from the youngster that surely cements his place as the first choice left back.

Got stuck in to tackles all game long and provided cover constantly for Davies both and wide and through the centre when needed.

Final ball also improving as he put in a terrific first half cross for Hagi that should have led to the opener.

Nico Raskin – 7

Rangers are simply a better time with the Belgian in it as he picked up where he left off against Newcastle.

His ability to pick the ball up deep from defenders and build attacks from there quickly will be a vital tool for the team this season, especially in Europe.

Kieran Dowell – 7

A more eye catching display for the former Norwich midfielder as he put in a tonne of work both in defence and attack, summed up by one moment in the first half where he made three successful tackles in quick succession.

Will be a vital player in and around the squad going forward as he seems to be the natural successor to Scott Arfield.

Ianis Hagi – 7

Playing in that deep-lying role we highlighted on the site this week, Hagi continues to look closer to the player he was pre-injury again.

Got himself into space a number of times, where only his final pass on a bit too heavy.

Rabbi Matondo – 5

Time seems to be running out on Rabbi’s time at the club after yet another ineffective display.

First time continues to let him down time and time again, as he lost the ball cheaply numerous times in dangerous areas.

Fashion Sakala – 7

Whilst at the times he looked to be running himself in dead ends in trademark Sakala fashion (no pun intended), his pressing play was a big part of Rangers game play, leading to the first goal for himself.

Can’t fault a goal and winning the penalty for his afternoon’s work. Subbed at half time for Lammers.

Abdallah Sima – 6

A slow start for the on-loan Brighton man as he found it difficult again to make his mark on the game.

Like with Rabbi, his first touch isn’t quite there at the moment, but unlike his colleague, his final ball looks more on-point when he gets into good areas, and his ability to get defenders close and turn them could be something to watch.

Missed a sitter in the second half when right in front of goal. Still plenty more to come.

Substitutes

Sam Lammers – 8 – A joy to watch once again. Looks like a terrific piece of business. Won stadium man of the match.

Johnly Yfeko – 7 – Headed and blocked absolutely everything. Looks a talent. Has potentially forced his way into Beale’s plans.

John Souttar – 7 – Another assured display from the Scotland international.

John Lundstram – 6 – Quicker in his play than on Tuesday night but needs to up his game still.

Todd Cantwell – 6 – Fiesty as ever but still working himself up to the standards of last season.

Kemar Roofe – 5 – Given half an hour on his comeback. Got stuck in despite injury history.

Bailey Rice – 6 – Plays well beyond his years. Has high ceiling.

Cyriel Dessers – 5 – More to come from the new man as he tried to work his way up to match fitness.

Tom Lawrence – 4 – Good to see him back from his injury hell as he got the final ten minutes on for Tavernier.