Rangers vs Hoffenheim player ratings as team recover from disaster first half
It looked as though Rangers’ pre-season was set to end with the ultimate whimper as they found themselves 2-0 down away to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.
Thankfully, the side went up the gears in the second period, and with their backs seemingly to the wall, they were able to bring the match back to 2-2 through goals from James Tavernier with another penalty and Sam Lammers.
Despite the improvement after half-time, the match still provided much more questions than answers with fans unconvinced with certain areas of the pitch with the new season just days with that.
With that, here are the Inside Ibrox player rating for Rangers vs Hoffenheim.
Starting line-up
Jack Butland – 7
Not much he could do about both goals, but the Englishman looks to be a vast improvement on what we’ve seen in the Rangers goal over the last two seasons.
Made a smart save with his feet with the game at 0-0, and overall, commanded his box well bar one bit of miscommunication with Lundstram late in the game.
James Tavernier – 6
His rating is skewed some what by his goal and assist, as the captain wasn’t given a rough time in the first half as Hoffenheim would constantly double up on him.
Other than his cross for Lammers goal, couldn’t pick out a pass to save himself. Not a good pre-season
Leon Balogun – 6
Easily the pick of the back line, Balogun did the simply things well that makes you understand why Michael Beale choose to bring him back.
Went for injured in the second half which will be a worry given Souttar and Davies missed this one due to illness.
Johnly Yfeko – 4
One game too far for the young defender this pre-season as he still looks some way off being a regular in this Rangers squad.
Whilst his strength appears to be bringing the ball out from the back, his positional ability doesn’t look quite there at this level as he was caught out ahead of the first goal. A loan move may be more beneficial at this stage of Yfeko’s career.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 5
Like his positional rival Barisic against Olympiacos on Wednesday, Yilmaz had a shocker of a first half as he was caught flatfooted for both goals.
Unlike Barisic though, the Turk was able to bounce back somewhat after half time, and played much more of the front foot.
Fans will be hope this is a one-off poor showing from a player who has had a decent pre-season up until this point.
Nico Raskin – 6
Wasn’t quite able to pull the strings as he’d like, bar a few occasions in the second half when he drove out from defence to try and start something.
Will hope to be back to top form next weekend.
John Lundstram – 6
Made a couple of good forward runs into the channels in the first half, but like with recent times in the Scouser’s Rangers career, his end product was lacking.
Moved into centre back at half time and helped to make things more solid.
Todd Cantwell – 6
The former Norwich man had his best outing of pre-season so far, although he was still guilty of trying to do too much on his own.
Still looks as though he is trying to find the best way to effectively link up with his new teammates.
Sam Lammers – 7
Easily the star of the Rangers pre-season.
The new arrival continues to show a great touch around the box which will cause so many issues for Scottish oppositions this season. Got his second Rangers goal with a fine header.
Cyriel Dessers – 6
Still looks as though he is getting himself up to full match sharpness once again, as he struggled to take the ball in and hold it up deep.
Showed what he is capable in the second period with a fine drive into the box and cut-back which won the penalty.
Abdallah Sima – 5
Plenty of endeavour once again from Sima, but like with the previous three games, couldn’t quite get the right end product when the chance came.
Will likely be the forward to drop out for Danilo going forward.
Subs
Ryan Jack – 6
Danilo – 5
Kieran Dowell – 5
Kemar Roofe – 4
Ianis Hagi – 5
Dujon Sterling – 4
Rabbi Matondo – 4
Borna Barisic – 4