Rangers might have secured the three points but Philippe Clement was never going to win against Hearts.
Not many are fighting the corner of the Light Blues manager with a suspicion that the Belgian is babysitting the Rangers squad until the summer.
An appropriate sentiment given the younger age of the group with Clinton Nsiala in particular a bright light in what has been an otherwise dour season.
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Rangers fans are loving what they are seeing from Clinton Nsiala
The Ibrox faithful have had little to shout about this season, however, the summer arrival from AC Milan looks like a real find after just a handful of senior games:
“Strong performance again. Getting better every week,” said one fan on X, an observation on how settled Nsiala already looks.
Another considered how well the 20-year old has adapted, despite the unrest around him, “We’re a shambles, but a positive, Nsiala has stepped up and performed in every game he’s played, exactly what you want to see from a young player, grabbed his opportunity and ran with it.”
Questions were asked about Nsiala when he was struggling in the academy, but this fan has praised how easily he has made the step up, “Was very skeptical of Nsiala coming in. Anyone that’s watched the B team this season will agree.
“But he’s been absolutely outstanding every match. The left side at the back is his to give away.”
This comment perfectly sums up the current sentiment, “As grim as we are it’s amazing to Nsiala perform the way he is. He will make mistakes but he’s taking his chance and is a real positive amongst a season of pure disappointment.”
What did Philippe Clement say about Nsiala’s performance?
Clement praised Nsiala’s progress post-match, who is already ahead of schedule:
“Yeah, I need to praise him today, and I don’t do that so often or so fast with young players, but he’s showing consistency from the moment he stepped into the team.
“In his work rates, in the trainings, in his concentration, and during the games, and you see him developing week after week. Every meeting that we have with him, with individual images, he’s so focused on getting better, so hungry to become better.
“So those are the kind of young players you’re looking for, because they develop fast. And I had a few in the past that made really big steps forward in a short time.
“He’s doing that also, and it’s now the question to keep this focus and concentration and the hard work, and then he will be a really good signing at the end of the season.”
Nsiala was written off by pundits, however, he still has a lot to learn, and he is fast serving a reminder that players should never be judged too early.
Especially when they have only ever played six senior league games.
