Rangers player ratings vs Aberdeen: 9/10 steals the show as three summer signings have best games

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Philippe Clement was wanting to see a significant improvement from the last time Rangers faced Aberdeen, a result and performance that saw many call for his head.

The manager has a mini-defensive crisis in his squad having to field three left-footers in recent outings but he has at least seen the return of both James Tavernier and Leon Balogun to the line-up.

The visitors had to contend without key players too though and here are your Rangers player ratings for the game with Aberdeen.

• READ MORE:Rangers January transfer wishlist: Bosmans, SPFL prospects and a familiar face

Rangers player ratings vs Aberdeen

Rangers ran out comfortable winners in the end and this is how the players scored:

Liam Kelly – 8

Looked more composed coming for long balls and set-pieces with his only save of the first half being made to look a lot easier than it was.

Mohamed Diomande lost possession in midfield and Leighton Clarkson shot first time from just inside Rangers’ half, sharp footwork from Kelly to make the stop.

Couple of great corner takes under pressure with the game in the dying stages, very solid display and his best yet since returning to the club.

Ridvan Yilmaz – 5

A shocker of a first half in terms of how he used the ball and seemed to give the ball away or put it out harmlessly for a throw-in every time he had the ball.

What made matters worse, was that it was simple, short range passes that he was missing.

Much improved in the second half.

Jefte – 8

First 45 minutes was as good as he has looked in a Light Blue shirt.

Thrived on Clinton Nsiala firing raking passes over the top of Nicky Devlin or zipping lower balls in front of him to run on to.

Caused Devlin all sorts of problems all night and a couple of crosses should have been met with by teammates.

As good as he has been at both ends of the park since signing in the summer.

Robin Propper – 7

Had a quiet opening period but still doesn’t look like he fully trusts Nsiala alongside him and drifts over to the left instead of holding his shape.

One solid block in the second half was a key intervention but it ended with the Dutchman having to go off injured.

Clinton Nsiala – 8

His passing was as good as anything Rangers have seen from a central defender in recent years, rarely missed his mark and got his team on the front foot on regular occasions.

Booked for a cynical foul on Kevin Nisbet but defended solidly apart from this against good opposition.

Topped off his performance with an assist for Leon Balogun in stoppage time as he continues to grow into the role.

Nicolas Raskin – 8

Kept Graeme Shinnie on his toes throughout, moving the ball too quickly for the Dons skipper to have any real impact.

Came close with a few attempted through balls but the intent was there.

Was absolutely everywhere as he snuffed out a series of counter-attacks and turned defence into attack.

Mohamed Diomande – 7

Nearly got caught out in the first half when he slipped turning his marker, however, aside from this, he used the ball well and looked to dictate play.

Despite not much coming off for him, he was full of running and never stopped trying to get involved.

Danilo – 6

Some neat touches in and around the box and should have added to Hamza Igamane’s opening goal when he was put clean through by his striking partner.

Replaced at half-time in what looked like a tactical decision to control the midfield more.

Ianis Hagi – 7

When Ianis Hagi drops deeper into midfield, few are better at finding teammates with defence splitting passes.

Nearly added a second for Rangers with a stunning long range effort that hit the cross bar and one stunning whipped cross deserved Raskin or Robin Propper to get on the end of it.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	CelticCeltic	23	19	3	1	64	11	53	60
2	RangersRangers	22	13	5	4	41	18	23	44
3	Dundee UtdDundee Utd	23	10	7	6	31	24	7	37
4	AberdeenAberdeen	22	10	5	7	32	30	2	35
5	MotherwellMotherwell	23	9	4	10	28	37	-9	31

Hamza Igamane – 9

Just gets better and better and his composed finish to open the scoring is further evidence of how big a talent he is.

It would have been easy to blast the ball with the goal gaping but picked his spot and placed it instead.

Tested Ross Doohan from range and was a constant menace to the Aberdeen defence.

Vaclav Cerny – 7

Had one of those nights where Aberdeen didn’t really know what to do with him and got himself into great positions either to see his shot or cut-back blocked.

Had chances in the second half and needs to start using his right foot to shoot more often when he has the space to do so rather than cutting back into traffic.

Substitutes

Nedim Bajrami – 6

On at half time for Danilo and looked sharper than he has done in recent appearances.

Set up by Jefte inside the box but the Albanian should have done better than dragging his shot wide under no real pressure.

Went closer seconds later from further out trying to steer the ball into the bottom corner only to shave the post.

Leon Balogun – 7

Came on with for Propper with 15 minutes remaining, first involvement was to almost let Duk in after failing to make a tackle.

Hit the post with a towering header that would have sealed the three points with five minutes to play and then missed another gilt edged chance in the 90th minute too.

Finally, at the third attempt, put the game to bed doing what he does best by rising higher than everyone to make it 2-0.

James Tavernier – 7

A much needed return to action in a packed fixture list and brought on to add balance and fresh legs in defence.

Helped to turn the tide of pressure with some strong ball carrying and passing.

Cyriel Dessers – 7

Had one involvement, carried the ball 40 yards, beat his defender and left Doohan with no chance for Rangers third – take heed Vaclav Cerny.