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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Stewart Wilson

Rangers player ratings as Barron and Tavernier among strugglers during Lyon loss

Rangers suffered a 4-1 home defeat to Olympique Lyonnais on Matchday Two of the UEFA Europa League.

The Light Blues were punished on the 10 minute mark after failing to convert numerous early chances, with Malick Fofana finishing beyond Jack Butland to make it 1-0. 

But they weren't behind for long as Tom Lawrence levelled shortly after.

Alexandre Lacazette subsequently netted a double and Fofana added to the scoreline, which made it a comfortable evening in Glasgow for the French visitors.

Here's how the Rangers players rated at Ibrox...


Jack Butland - Helpless for all of Lyon’s goals and pulled off multiple other saves to spare Rangers' blushes in the first half alone. That continued into the second 45 as Lyon penetrated the Englishman's penalty box. Took captaincy responsibilities for the final half-hour once Tavernier was withdrawn. 5

James Tavernier - Denied by an excellent save from Lucas Perri after just three minutes. You couldn't question his commitment, however it was a below-par showing from the Rangers skipper. He was skinned by the Lyon winger's more times than not and you could suggest his early substitution could suggest that even his manager is looking towards life beyond him at right-back. 4

John Souttar - Yellow carded midway through the first half. Struggled to deal with the quality of the opposition front three. One positive for the ex-Hearts man was he regularly won his duels, the most in the game with nine. 6

Robin Propper - Involved in Rangers losing their second goal following Barron's error. Caught under the ball a couple times and possibly was made to realise the significant step up from Scottish Premiership or Dutch domestic football. 5

(Image: PA) Jefte - Blew an early opportunity for Rangers to overload the box and get a shot at goal after finding space down the left. He's evidently got lightening pace that can cause opposition defences problems, yet finding that perfect pin-point cross on a consistent basis proved a challenge. Had a tough time defensively given Cherki's sublime qualities but he never gave up until the last whistle was blown. 6

Connor Barron - At fault for Lyon’s second goal by playing a blind pass to his teammate. Often ran around a lot without actually achieving anything in the Rangers midfield. Booked on 52 minutes following a late lunge on Corentin Tolisso. Then turned inside out by Malick Fofana for Lyon's fourth. A bit of a learning curve for the Scotland-U21 international at this level. 4

Mohamed Diomande - Showed maturity on the ball for a 22-year-old and made a few exemplary interceptions to deny Lyon any further ground when driving towards the Rangers box. His performance was one of the better ones in Light Blue colours. 6

Tom Lawrence - Pounced to score a rebound after Dessers' initial effort was saved. Appears to be becoming more influential for Rangers in that No.10 role. Unfortunately had to be replaced by Kieran Dowell at the half-time break because of an ankle issue. His manager will be praying the experienced player isn't going to need a lengthy time on the treatment table. 7

Vaclav Cerny - The on-loan winger spurred another great opportunity in the first half, much to the Ibrox crowd’s frustrations. It's clear he has talent but it's that end product that more often than not is letting him down. 5

(Image: Andrew Milligan (PA)) Nedim Bajrami - Full of energy and loved to get to the byline. The positive thing was it wasn't always predictable from him down the left-hand side as sometimes he would look to get a first time cross in, but on a couple of occasions he effectively cut in and almost set up a chance. Never stopped looking for the ball even why it just wasn't happening for his team. Completed the most dribbles in the match too which can be deemed a positive for the summer recruit. 7

Cyriel Dessers - Arguably should've put the ball in the net prior to Lawrence's goal. His sharpness and contribution can often come under the microscope, and it's clear to see why the Rangers faithful are often left scratching their head when watching the Nigerian. Virtually anonymous and just 20 touches in attacking areas tells its own story. 5

Substitutions: 

Kieran Dowell (For Lawrence, 45) - Was extremely unlucky not to reduce Rangers' deficit shortly after coming on the pitch with a thunderous strike saved by the Lyon shot-stopper. It required a big strong hand or else it was flying into the top corner, showing what the midfielder is capable of. 5

Neraysho Kasanwirjo (For Tavernier, 61) - Was on the line to stop Lyon making it 1-5. It was great positional awareness, although how the French side were allowed a free header inside the box will be disputed. Added extra energy and impetus to Rangers' when transitioning. 5

Dujon Sterling (For Cerny, 69) - Rangers' Mr.Versatile was this time tasked with playing down the right. 4

Nicolas Raskin (For Barron, 69) - Lashed the ball over the bar within seconds of his introduction despite having time to take a touch. Didn't do anything else of note. 4

Ross McCausland, For Bajmari, 81) - Little time to impress considering Rangers were chasing the game. 3

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