Rangers vs PSV player ratings as Beale’s side drop to Europa League with a whimper
Rangers Champions League journey in 2023 ended with a thud as Michael Beale’s side were hit for five as PSV avenged their defeat last year with a 7-3 aggregate victory.
It was an evening with very little to shout about for Rangers, as they were outplayed and outclassed for large periods by their Dutch opponents.
By the time they opened up, took more of a chance and got themselves back into the game via another European goal from James Tavernier, they were pegged back again with minutes before going on to capitulate in a manner similar to what Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s side in the group stage last season.
If not for Jack Butland, you’d hate to imagine how the scoreline would have ended up.
So it’s back to Thursday nights are Rangers nights for the months ahead with the side dropping into the Europa League group stage.
With very little to celebrate, here are the Rangers player ratings from the trip to Eindhoven.
Jack Butland – 7
Made what looked to have been a crucial stop in the first half just before PSV opened the scoring before making several others in the second half to keep the score down.
James Tavernier – 6
Dealt with Lang better than he did in Glasgow during the first half but was caught out marking De Jong for PSV’s second.
Another European goal for the skipper offered brief hope in the second half but gave away freekick instantly that resulted in De Jong’s goal.
Connor Goldson – 5
The vice-captain had looked solid in the first half before looking leggy in the second as the game became stretched.
Horror moment he’d like to forget for own goal.
John Souttar – 5
Similar to Goldson, had dealt with things well before the game opened up.
Lost his man for PSV’s second.
Borna Barisic – 6
Offered some form of defensive solidity but was often caught to close to his centre backs which left Matondo to stop Bakayoko’s crosses.
PSV had a lot more joy in this area after he went off injured.
Jose Cifuentes – 4
A shocker of an evening for the talented Ecuadorian.
Deployed on the right side of midfield, he was guilty of not tracking his runners which left Tavernier facing two-on-ones all night, whilst also being slack in possession.
Should never have lasted the 90.
Nico Raskin – 5
Not the best of nights for the usually reliable Raskin as his passing let him down on numerous occasions.
Lost his runner for the PSV opener.
John Lundstram – 6
The better of the Rangers midfield, Lundstram initially offered support defensively to his back four but in the end, couldn’t muster enough.
Rabbi Matondo – 5
Given the nod after a recent turn of form, and should have been played through several times in the first half when through on goal.
Didn’t offer enough running at defenders though to create chances. Nearly scored a wonder goal towards the end of the game though.
Todd Cantwell – 5
Almost playing a supporting striker on the evening, Cantwell wasn’t able to influence the game as he usually would as he was starved of service.
Cyriel Dessers – 5
In what sums up his Rangers career to-date, he looked isolated for large points of the game as he spent more time chasing than finishing.
Should have done better with first half chance where he was well played in by Goldson. Needs a partner to bring out best of him.
Subs
Dujon Sterling – 4
Sam Lammers – 6
Danilo – 5
Ryan Jack – 4