To think, some in the Fenerbahce camp felt Rangers had something of a weak link in their back line ahead of Thursday’s unexpected Europa League encounter between the managerial novice Barry Ferguson and the extremely-decorated Jose Mourinho.
According to former Fener full-back Ugur Boral, the Turkish giants would rip Ridvan Yilmaz apart if Ferguson again opted to start the former Besiktas man at right-back.
Well, as it transpired, Rangers’ number three would not start at right-back. Not quite, anyway.
Instead, the versatile wideman lined up as a right-sided wing-back as Barry Ferguson deployed a new-look five-man backline in Istanbul.
Another string to add to his bow, then. Ferguson outfoxed a man with five European titles and two Champions League winners medals as Rangers beat Fenerbahce 3-1 at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium thanks to another Cyriel Dessers strike and a Vaclav Cerny brace.
Ferguson labelled Ridvan Yilmaz one of Rangers’ most reliable players in the build up to Thursday’s first-leg clash. And as he produced another all-action display in another unfamiliar role, the legendary captain was just as effusive in his praise at full-time as he was before the game kicked off.
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Barry Ferguson ‘delighted’ as Ridvan Yilmaz shines in Rangers win
“I would like to think he’s got a future at Rangers but the main focus for me is just making sure I get as many wins as possible until the end of the season,” Ferguson said amid reports linking Yilmaz with a return to Turkey, making sure to pay tribute to the 23-year-old’s fierce work ethic.
“He’s one of the guys after training that will stay behind and work on some weaknesses that maybe we see or he sees in his game.
“But, again, I thought he led the line superbly tonight and I was absolutely delighted for him.”
Nico Raskin was ‘unbelievable’ in the heart of Rangers’ revamped midfield alongside Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron, the latter making his first appearance since against Manchester United in late-January.
Ferguson felt John Souttar would make a big ‘difference’ upon his return to the side, meanwhile. And as the big centre-back made 10 clearances in Istanbul, his physicality was indeed a crucial factor in restricting Fenerbahce to just the one goal even if Jose Mourinho was keen to highlight a ‘fantastic’ Jack Butland performance between the sticks.
“I thought it was a really good performance from my team,” Ferguson beams. “They gave me everything that I asked for from the start of the week. I thought, defensively, the guys put their bodies on the line. Overall, it was a brilliant result.
“There’s no way they’re going to be carried away here. This is only half-time in the tie. Fenerbahce are a very good team who I think are one of the favourites to win this competition. Also, they’ve got one of the best managers there’s ever been. They’re going to be hurting.
“I said that to the players. We’ll have a couple of days rest because they worked ever so hard tonight. Then we’ll get back to work because it’s a big game for us next Thursday.”
Ferguson plays down Robin Propper injury concerns in Istanbul
One negative, however, was the early departure of Robin Propper.
The much-maligned Dutchman lasted only half an hour, forced off after he was clattered by an onrushing Butland with veteran Leon Balogun taking his place.
With Souttar, Balogun and Dujon Sterling all available again, the last thing Ferguson is to follow up three steps forwards with one step backwards in the defensive department.
“In terms of Robin, I think he got knocked out for a minute or two,” Ferguson explains. “The big man’s up a lot so he should be okay but you’ve got to be wary of that. It’s a bit of a concussion so we’ll see how he is in the next couple of days.”
