Philippe Clement will have to be creative again in the Europa League if Rangers are to get anything against Man Utd.
The manager is used to dealing with a squad that is short of options and the Old Trafford clash is no different.
The problem position this time is on the left-hand side of the attack, but Clement has made a decision that makes a lot of sense and has been proven to work for Rangers in the past.
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Clement knows that Ridvan Yilmaz can play problem Rangers role
With an 8/10 rating against Spurs, Ridvan Yilmaz was outstanding at Ibrox against a Premier League side who might be struggling defensively, but who still carry a huge threat in the final third.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw, Clement was clearly impressed with the Turkey international, even if he has never been a manager to single out players for praise:
“I know what kind of warrior Ridvan is from last season. He was a long time out with an injury, [and] he’s coming back now,” Clement said of Ridvan’s display.
“I knew he could play that position also because he gives everything for the team, and he has quality on the ball to do the right things and he’s a smart guy.
“With one or two training [sessions] or one or two video sessions, you can explain a lot with him. So yeah, he was also good in that way, in that position and those are interesting things for the future.
“We have extra options then if it’s necessary.”
Is Ridvan call the right decision?
That option has been taken again, this time against Man Utd with Ridvan’s pace and aggressive running earning him a place in the starting XI.
The 23-year old made a late cameo appearance against Fraserburgh so should be fully fit and raring to go in his third different role this season after covering at right-back recently too.
A left-back by trade, not only does Ridvan’s speed cause problems, but his determination to get to the by-line and eagerness to get shots away is also an asset.
Getting out of their own half and up the pitch will be as much of an issue as stopping Man Utd with his natural defensive instincts likely to be a huge help to Jefte on Rangers’ left.
It might be a square peg in a round hole, but some would argue that, with a fully fit squad, it would still be the right selection.
