Rangers playing ratings vs Livingston as Cifuentes and Souttar shine with Matondo answering critics
Rangers responded to last week’s opening day defeat to Kilmarnock with a comprehensive 4-0 victory at home to Livingston.
Like during the week against Servette, the home side got off to a fast start, as Sam Lammers bagged his first competitive goal for the club after 10 minutes.
Ibrox thought they’d saw a second soon after, but a debut goal from Jose Cifuentes was over turned by the VAR for handball.
Rangers then endured a mixed period over the next 50 odd minutes, as the tempo dropped and Livingston sensed a chance they could nick a goal.
But unlike a week ago, Michael Beale’s subs flicked the temp back in his side’s favour, and three goals in the last 12 minutes from new signings Danilo, Abdallah Sima and Kieran Dowell made it a comfortable afternoon in the end for Rangers.
With three points finally on the board, here are our player ratings from Rangers vs Livingston
Jack Butland – 8
Despite once again having very little to do, the goalkeeper did what all good Rangers keeper have to do, staying switched on at vital moments as he made two top stops at the beginning of the second half with the score at 1-0.
The team looks in safe hands with Butland looking to ideal replacement for Allan McGregor.
James Tavernier – 6
The captain doesn’t seem to be having the best of starts to the season as his final ball lacking and his side of the pitch looking to most exposed to opposition attacks.
Needs to get back up to his standards quickly with Dujon Sterling breathing down his neck.
John Souttar – 8
Another super display for the Scotland international who looks undroppable at the moment so long as he stays fit.
His ability to bring the ball out of defence and link with the rest of the team in a attacking sense is a vital asset in the Beale system.
Leon Balogun – 7
Came in for the rested Connor Goldson and was solid as he enjoyed playing as the deepest of the defence against a physical Livingston side.
Did the simple things well. Justifying the decision to bring him back into the squad.
Borna Barisic – 7
Didn’t live up to the standards of his first half display against Servette but did little wrong.
Top cross to set up Danilo for the second.
Jose Cifuentes – 8
An excellent debut for the Ecuadorian midfielder.
Showed his ability to win physical battles in his own half and has excellent decision making in the final third. Unlucky to see debut goal over turned.
Nico Raskin – 7
Once again, Raskin kept things moving quickly in the middle of the park.
Looks like he still has a couple of gears to go up in the weeks to come which can only be a good sign.
Todd Cantwell – 7
Really is the lynchpin of this Rangers side, as he once again popped up all over the pitch. A couple of great bits of footwork left the Livingston players on their backside.
Good movement to get the shot away early on that led to Lammers goal.
Sam Lammers – 7
Started to show the form he impressed many fans in pre-season, the Dutchman showed great composure to react the rebound of Cantwell’s shot to open the scoring.
Looking more and more comfortable in this Rangers side.
Danilo – 7
Couldn’t quite get into the game as much in the first half, Danilo looked much more of a threat playing more centrally in the final half an hour.
Will be glad to get a full 90 minutes and a goal under his belt.
Cyriel Dessers – 6
Still showing a lack of sharpness that may cause some worries to Rangers fans.
Link of play struggling as a result, will need to get up to speed ASAP with some big games ahead.
Subs
Rabbi Matondo – 7: Where has displays like this been hiding the last 12 months? Matondo’s pace caused all sorts of problems in the second half which may have fans wondering if he still has a part to play.
Abdallah Sima – 7
Kieran Dowell – 6: Pick of the goals with a terrific left foot effort in the closing stages
John Lundstram – 5
Dujon Sterling – 5