Rangers played out a 1-1 draw with Greek giants Olympiacos in the Europa League with Cyriel Dessers the hero and villain of the piece.
The Nigerian striker fluffed two golden first half chances before restoring parity in the match after Ayoud El Kaabi put Olympiacos ahead.
The result earns Rangers another point in the Europa League with Philippe Clement’s men edging closer to qualification for the tournament’s knockout phases.
Here’s how the Gers team rated on another positive Rangers Thursday.
Rangers player ratings v Olympiacos
Jack Butland – 6
Rarely involved in the match with Rangers limiting to Olympiacos to barely any chances of note.
Olympiacos’s opening goal was unstoppable from a Butland POV.
Dujon Sterling – 6
Given the nod ahead of captain James Tavernier and challenged by Philippe Clement to step up and make the berth his own in the pre-match.
Part of a solid Rangers defensive display over the piece in the first half but gave the ball away in a crucial area and threatened to pick up a yellow card.
Hooked minutes into the second half in strange circumstances before Clement was clipped chewing his ear on the sidelines.
John Souttar – 6
The Scotland international is Rangers’ first choice defender and one of the first names of the team sheet and put in another solid display as Rangers limited Olympiacos’s opportunities.
However the defender was found a bit wanting as he slowly reacted to Ayoud El Kaabi emphatically firing Olympiacos in front.
A solid defender who is improving on this stage.
Robin Propper – 7
Recalled to the starting lineup and had a good game at the heart of the Rangers defence, rarely putting a foot wrong.
Is much more suited to the continental game and looked assured at times as he settles into life at Rangers.
Solid on the ball and in the air, the Rangers centre-back still has a lot of proving himself to do but this was a positive step forward.
Jefte – 6
The Brazilian left-back is only 20-years-old but plays like someone several years his senior.
Has adopted a much more disciplined role as Rangers’ starting left-back in recent weeks and once again put in a solid display up against the challenge of form Olympiacos star Rodinei.
Running out of steam going forward however and is probably counting down the minutes until Ridvan Yilmaz returns to give him a breather.
Nicolas Raskin – 9
Somehow managed to last to the 90th minute until receiving a yellow card, Nicolas Raskin has been a breath of fresh air in the middle of the Rangers midfield.
A commanding player who is always involved in physical duels and in creating attacks, Rangers fans are beginning to feel like they’ve got something special in the 23-year-old Belgian.
Injury has limited Raskin’s opportunities at Ibrox to date but he has shades of a young Barry Ferguson is genuinely never afraid to get stuck in.
A Man of the Match display from the middle of the pitch.
Connor Barron – 7
Snapped into challenges and showed some superb touches linking up attacks as Rangers broke up the park.
A genuinely relentless presence in the middle of the pitch and a disinclined player who Philippe Clement must genuinely love.
Gives his all and has quality to boot. Barron is an industrious footballer who is not scared to cover ground and make an impact on and off the ball.
Almost scored a worldie in the final moments.
Mohamed Diomande – 6
A clearly talented player, Mohamed Diomande has this ability to twist and turn into space in the middle of the pitch.
Also a technical footballer with immense control, Diomande is a modern midfielder who can pretty much do it all.
But – and this is crucial for Rangers fans – the final pass and shot is too often lacking for a player of his ability and his price tag.
Another solid display with touches of magic but we expect a matchwinning contribution we’re just not getting at the moment.
Vaclav Cerny – 8
Has stood up in recent weeks and continues to be a hugely influential player for Rangers and one of the side’s key men.
Always keen to get on the ball, drive forward and take a man on, Cerny is Rangers’ creative force and even provided the goal for Cyriel Dessers.
Taking increasing responsibility and improving by the game with Cerny’s creativity and decision-making becoming tighter as the weeks pass by.
Another big performance from Rangers’ most creative outlet.
Nedim Bajrami – 7
Nedim Bajrami is probably the most talented player at Rangers and like Vaclav Cerny, is taking an increasingly important role in the team.
Has a superb touch and shows genuine quality always ever time he gets on the ball, Bajrami is a step ahead of defenders and is usually central to everything good that the side create.
Turned inside after tormenting the Olympiacos right-back but fired straight at the goalkeeper.
Continues to impress.
Cyriel Dessers – 6
Cyriel Dessers must be one of the most frustrating Rangers strikers of the modern era with fan grumbles summed up v Olympiacos.
Dessers kept himself onside to wind up one-on-one in the first half only to fire low at the goalkeeper, with the striker missing another golden opportunity when he struck the ball straight at the goalie from a low cross into the box.
After Ayoud El Kaabi put Olympiacos ahead, it looked like Rangers might pay the ultimate price but Cyriel Dessers popped up with a genuinely stunning effort to tie the score.
Reverted to type with a poor left-foot effort when he should’ve passed but always tries and is always there. Enigmatic in the extreme.
Substitutions:
Neraysho Kasanwirjo – 6: Offered more enthusiasm than Dujon Sterling and rasped a stunning effort just wide at 1-0. A positive substitute appearance.
James Tavernier – N/A: Barely enough time to influence the match.
Ross McCausland – N/A: Barely enough time to influence the match.
Hamza Igamane – N/A: Barely enough time to influence the match.
