There are several Rangers players who have improved since Philippe Clement took over as manger with one of those names being Ridvan Yilmaz.
The 22-year old Turkey international is finally showing the form that saw former Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst shell out an initial £3.4m in a deal that could rise to over £5m.
It’s a transfer that is now looking like money well spent as Rangers change in style of play sees Ridvan Yilmaz play an integral role in our current form, a far cry from nearly leaving the club for a reported £4m just a few weeks ago.
Rangers Ridvan Yilmaz rewarded on European team of the week
Clement has certainly given every member of his squad a fair crack of the whip.
Both Borna Barisic and Ridvan have had a run of games since the big Belgian took charge and, in a fairness, both have performed well.
There are some key differences between the two left-backs that have seen Ridvan cement his place as first choice though.
Clement wants pace, intensity and fearlessness.
Barisic is many things but you would hardly use any of these to describe him.
In Ridvan Yilmaz, Rangers have a modern full-back who is more than just a crosser of the ball.
His most recent display against Hearts saw him give the ball away on several occasions early doors but, for the rest of the game, was one of the most dangerous and most creative.
And it’s because of this that he saw his name in Football Talent Scout’s team of the week for European players under the age of 23.
Ridvan is a Swiss Army knife.
If you want him to play crosses into the box, he will. If you want him to cut inside and build up play through the midfield, he can do that too.
What makes him tailor made for Clement’s system though, is how aggressive he is out of possession.
He isn’t the biggest, to put it mildly, but he engages opponents with a terrier like determination.
His speed allows him to close players down and nip at their heels where Barisic would stand off and protect the space behind him.
That’s all fair and well but, it’s not how Clement wants to play.
After a long period of criticism, it’s great to see a player who many had written off, proving what they are truly capable of.
If ever a player reflected a team’s transformation, it’s Ridvan Yilmaz.
