Rangers player ratings vs PSV as Goldson commands and Matondo redemption continues
Deja vu truly went to the next level at Ibrox as not only did Rangers come up against PSV for the second year in a row in the play-off round of Champions League qualifying, but managed to pull the exact same first league result as in 2022.
Goals from Abdallah Sima and Rabbi Matondo put the home side into the lead on two occasions, only for the Dutch side to peg them back both times, meaning that the sides go back to Eindhoven next week on level peggings once again.
It wasn’t a tradition Rangers home performance, as PSV dominated possession for the majority of the game, although they failed to test Jack Butland anywhere near enough and Michael Beale will be geniuinely pleased that despite looking on the back front, his side actually created the better opportunities in the match.
Next week will determine whether history will repeat itself, but until then, here are our player ratings for Rangers vs PSV
Jack Butland – 6
Commanded his box well once again, and bar one save from a Veerman freekick in the second half, had very little to-do.
Nothing he could do with both goals.
James Tavernier – 6
The captain’s defensive woes continue as PSV targeted the right side of the Rangers backline all night long.
Bailed out numerous times as covering from Connor Goldson, and left too much space in the build up to PSV’s first leveller.
Connor Goldson – 8
The vice-captain looked close to his best for the first time this season as he defended superbly all night.
Spent far too much time in the right back area than he would like though but helped nulify the deadly Lang.
John Souttar – 7
Like with Goldson, was effective in making sure any cross balls from PSV were clear away no questions asked.
Looked to have been muscled out too easily by De Jong for the second equaliser though.
Borna Barisic – 6
Did better defensively than he has in recent seasons, although he failed to offer any form of attacking outlet throughout the game.
Ryan Jack – 6
Did his job better than last week against Servette here, although his distribution wasn’t as sharp as usual.
Was beginning to look leggy before being replaced by Lundstram in the second half.
Nico Raskin – 6
Not the best night for the combative Belgian, as he was often guilty of gifting away possession too cheaply in the first half. Made telling impact pressuring the ball for Sima’s opener though.
Improved after half time, but would expect better from himself.
Jose Cifuentes – 5
Having impressed since arriving, this was an off-night for Cifuentes as he offered little in attack and failed to cover Tavernier enough against the threat of Dest from full back.
Todd Cantwell – 7
Typical Cantwell performance once again as he pressed PSV at every opportunity and looked to kept the ball better than any of his team mates at times where they were raged.
Brilliant play in the middle of the park played in Dessers to tee up Matondo.
Abdallah Sima – 6
A truly perplexing showing from the Brighton loanee, as his decision making was truly questionable in the opening 45. Also very guilty of giving up on loose balls too easily.
Stunning finish on stroke of half time will ease the doubters slightly, but remains the signings frustrating fans the most.
Cyriel Dessers – 7
Despite looking isolated for large periods of the game, you can see the improve in Dessers game-by-game.
Got himself involved in the big moments of the match, working hard to help tee up Sima before producing a beautiful assist for Matondo’s goal. Looks much better with players playing close to him.
Substitutes
Rabbi Matondo – 7: What a redemption arc this lad is going through. Looked positive again going at defenders and took his goal brilliantly. Almost got a second with a stunning volley. Looks a changed player with confidence.
John Lundstram – 6
Danilo – 5
Kieran Dowell – 4
Sam Lammers – 4