Rangers fans got a glimpse into the future at Fir Park as Ridvan Yilmaz and Malik Tillman impressed v Motherwell.
Michael Beale’s new-look Rangers side continues to take shape and the two youthful additions to the side left strong impressions at Fir Park.
Turkish international Ridvan Yilmaz, 21, was making his first start since the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Napoli in October.
Signed from Besiktas on a deal which could reportedly reach £5m [Sky Sports], the left-back’s first season at Ibrox has been badly impacted by injury.
Whilst he is still working his way back to full fitness, Rangers fans got a glimpse of the intelligent runs and progressive passing which has Ridvan marked out as one of the most exciting young left-back’s on the continent.
For fans watching the defensive side of his game, the 5ft9 star targeted due to his lack of height, Ridvan Yilmaz did manage Motherwell effectively and it’s whetted the appetite of supporters.
Whilst senior left-back and expectant father Borna Barisic remains an important part of the Ibrox squad, Ridvan Yilmaz is expected to make the berth his own.
Malik Tillman returns with Rangers goal v Motherwell
Couple this with the return of Malik Tillman against Motherwell, the attacking midfielder lashing in the fourth Rangers goal in a 4-2 victory, and suddenly a new look Gers is taking shape.
Whilst it could cost a reported £6.2m [Fabrizio Romano – Caught Offside] to make any move for Malik Tillman permanent, the USA international looks like a potential world-beater and someone who can add real penetration to the side.
January signing Todd Cantwell also continues to impress, netting his first Gers goal in the victory at Fir Park, and alongside the injured Nicolas Raskin has brought verve and intent into the side.
Scotland international defender John Souttar also came off the bench as Rangers defeated Motherwell and suddenly there are options.
But the inclusions of Ridvan Yilmaz and Malik Tillman against Motherwell, alongside the simmering form of Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin, is symbolic of the evolution at Rangers.
As a sense of focus and vision returns to Rangers, the victory over Motherwell gave us a glimpse into what is yet to come at Ibrox.
Meanwhile, the reported Kyle Fox takeover of Rangers has collapsed.