Rangers boss Michael Beale has heaped praise on Rabbi Matondo following his goal v PSV; and hinted the winger could be the man to replace Ryan Kent.
The Ibrox manager was speaking after the 22-year-old Welsh international winger opened his Rangers account one year on from signing for the club last season.
It’s been a difficult year for Rabbi Matondo but the sweeping finish in the 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven promises to be a confidence-boosting moment for the Rangers star.
A few weeks ago, Rangers boss Michael Beale suggested the club has yet to replace the influence of £7m winger Ryan Kent this summer and urged someone from within the squad to step up.
If this didn’t happen, the recent transfer sounds surrounding Rangers suggested that the club would re-enter the market.
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Michael Beale talks Rabbi Matondo
Pressed on the Ryan Kent comments specifically, Michael Beale hinted that Rabbi Matondo could be the man to fill the Fenerbahce-bound attacker’s boots.
“Yeah when I came into the club (Rabbi Matondo) had a knee issue which was long standing,” Michael Beale said.
“In every game that Rabbi’s played for Rangers there have been moments for him to score or assist and it all comes down to his final pass or his final shot.
“He’s aware of that. He come back in great condition for pre-season and he’s had a real go.
“I’m pleased for him. I think the last two or three performances he’s done really well. He gives us something we don’t have.
“We have a lot of variety and we want to keep the opponents guessing and I think him and Abdallah (Sima) give us something a little bit different this year.
“I just felt that the spaces in this game, it was made for Rabbi (Matondo) and that’s why he come into the squad and he obviously rewarded himself with a goal.”
Couple these Rabbi Matondo comments after the PSV clash with Michael Beale claiming the club are only really looking for one new player and suddenly it’s pointing towards a defender.
The Rangers boss claims there will be more outgoings than incomings in the final stages of the transfer window with defence previously mooted as a problem area.
Rangers continue to be linked prominently to the likes of Millwall’s Jake Cooper and if Rabbi Matondo is now set to fill an attacking void in the squad, we’re almost at our full complement.