A look at the ratings for the Rangers players in their impressive win against Aberdeen.
WES FODERINGHAM – 7
In truth, Foderingham had a pretty quiet night. Aberdeen’s main threat came from set pieces, which he dealt with fine. A couple of times you felt he could have came out for the ball, but it never resulted in anything problematic. Made a good save in the first half, and didn’t take any chances with distribution.
JAMES TAVERNIER – 9
Two goals, solid defending, chance creation – a fantastic performance from the full back. In the first minute, his cross should have led to a goal for Windass. He slotted the penalty away easily, and was on hand with a goalline clearance in the first half. His second goal pretty much summed up our performance. He won the ball well, got forward and finished with composure from a good cross. It was the mix of desire and confidence that was evident throughout the team.
DECLAN JOHN – 7
John started the game a little slowly, with a couple of mistakes and slips leading to potential chances for Aberdeen. He quickly got over that and went on to have a good game. In the first half, he caused some issues as Aberdeen invited him to run into gaps centrally. Rangers found it easier to get in behind the Aberdeen left, though, so John was asked to defend more than attack in this game. In the second half, he was solid, and the only chances created against the team on his side came from set pieces.
BRUNO ALVES – 8
Never lost a header all night, and brought a lot of composure to the team. Played with an authority and confidence which clearly helped the rest of the side. There was an almost comedic moment in the first half where he cleared a through ball by it hitting him on the back of the head as he chased back. Even when he wasn’t looking, he was defending well!
As noted in the match preview, Aberdeen have a real set-piece threat, and Alves was dominant in the air and cleared more than his fair share of those. His passing from the back kept us in possession well, and he was always available for an easy pass when midfielders were crowded out.
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DANNY WILSON – 8
Wilson was probably as good as he’s been in ages in a Rangers shirt. Strong in the challenge and composed on the ball, he was a great partner for Alves. He was unlucky with a volley from a corner in the second half. Throughout the game, he bullied Stevie May, so much so that the Aberdeen forward was anonymous by the second half. His passing and ability to take a touch made a huge difference to how the team played overall.
ROSS McCRORIE – 8
McCrorie was asked to play in midfield for this game, and didn’t look out of place at all. He had the odd moment of being caught on the ball or misplacing a pass in the first half, but that would apply to any player on the night. His tracking back and strength in the tackle meant that Rangers won the midfield battle, ably assisted by others. By the second half, he was completely dominant, passing and moving with ease on the ball. He also had a few good through balls, one of which was unlucky not to lead to a goal for Windass.
When you consider his relative lack of experience, the fact he was booked early in the game, and the change of role on the night, he was simply outstanding.
RYAN JACK – 8
Against his old teammates, Jack was excellent. Drove the team forward with his accurate passing. He completely outperformed the Aberdeen midfield and played with a real passion. He celebrated the goals like he’d scored them himself.
With McCrorie doing a lot of the defensive work, Jack was freed up to get more involved in attacking play. His cross led to the penalty, and most of our best play involved him.
JASON HOLT – 8
Holt never once stopped moving all night. He was tenacious in every challenge, and didn’t allow Aberdeen any chance to bully our players. Won the penalty for the first goal, and played the cross which Peña slotted home. In the past, when games got physical, there’d be a fear that Holt couldn’t contribute. Last night put a lie to that as he had no issues making the game physical when required.
CARLOS PEÑA – 8
Peña was supposed to be a flop, a complete waste of money. In this game, he showed more than enough to suggest he could yet be a great signing. His movement and desire to get forward gave Aberdeen problems, and led to his goal. He didn’t allow the Aberdeen midfield easy possession in front of their defence, and looked happy to put in a shift.
It is his attacking play that shines, though. A good effort in the first half would have beaten most keepers in the league. He played a beautiful through ball with a lovely first-time pass for Tavernier which was unlucky not to result in another goal. He will have moments where he’s caught on the ball or makes loose passes, but his overall game was strong and he looked disappointed to be substituted.
KENNY MILLER – 8
Miller had a much better game in a system he looked to enjoy. He played his role with more discipline, and led the side well with his talking and encouragement. He only had one chance of note, a blocked shot from a scrappy corner, but his movement and workrate gave the rest of the players an option constantly. In the absence of Morelos, he was the link up player we needed.
JOSH WINDASS – 8
Windass was asked to play as the main striker, and may have had his best game yet for Rangers. His final ball wasn’t quite there too often, but his pace and energy really caused the Aberdeen defence to look vulnerable. He was a little unlucky with the effort ruled out for offside. His game was suited to a match of this nature, where Aberdeen looked to play high up the pitch.
In recent games, Windass has been showing better decision making. Last night, he knew when to take a man on or when to hold the ball up. A very good performance that will give many food for thought.
DANIEL CANDEIAS – 4
Came on after 65 minutes to replace Carlos Peña. That allowed Rangers to change the formation to a 4-5-1 and see out the game with relative ease.
Both Eduardo Herrera and Ryan Hardie came on, but the game was won and neither had a chance to make any real impact.