Rangers team selections are always a cause for debate and outrage but Philippe Clement’s latest was warmly received, aside from one name.
Fans reacted well to James Tavernier being dropped and injuries/unavailability leave the manager with limited choices in midfield and the forward line in his matchday squad.
One choice that Clement did make was to bring Robin Propper in from the cold for his first Rangers appearance for a few games.
Robin Propper recalled despite dip in Rangers form
The former Twente captain has been in something of a rut after being hooked against Kilmarnock and then St Mirren with Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Leon Balogun covering for the 31-year old.
The latter’s body needs to be protected more now than ever and, after limping off with cramp against Motherwell, it was no surprise to see him rested in Greece.
Propper and John Souttar had formed a solid partnership and started racking up the clean sheets, only for a couple of shaky appearances to derail it but, aside from the goal conceded against Olympiacos, looked back to their best against a dangerous attack.
In fact, the one time that Propper got dragged out of position, Rangers got punished, as observed by Alan Hutton on TNT Sports:
“This from a Rangers point of view is not great. You see Propper, he goes out to mark which is understandable. But here you need to get back into your slot,” said Hutton.
“He doesn’t react quick enough. Olympiacos work it really well, they deliver a good ball into the box. Propper is still out of position, Chiquinho just heads it back and we spoke about El Kaabi only needing that one opportunity and it’s a great finish.
“But defensively I think Rangers have to do a little bit better there.”
The former Gers right-back is being a bit harsh on Propper but the point is a valid one after what was a solid defensive display, Cameron Willis on Rangers News player ratings claiming that he “rarely put a foot wrong”.
Propper not living up to summer signing billing
One pundit who hasn’t been impressed with Propper is Michael Stewart when assessing the summer signing:
“The players that you’re bringing in, you’ve got to have them have a big impact,” Stewart said.
“Obviously the Dutchman, captain of Twente, he’s found himself under a lot of scrutiny. And he’s not coming on… That is a big, big statement there, in terms of Robin Propper. You can see, obviously, he’s not best pleased, sitting on the bench, understandably.
“But he hasn’t shown that leadership, he hasn’t shown that commanding role that you would be looking for from somebody that has good experience.”
Under intense pressure, Propper will hopefully have silenced a few critics and begin to show the qualities that enticed Nils Koppen into signing the Dutch stopper in the first place.
