Former Rangers players Mark Hateley and Charlie Adam have criticised Ryan Kent following the Gers’ Champions League qualifying defeat to Malmo [BBC Sportsound].
The Gers lost 4-2 on aggregate to the Swedish champions, who are ranked 36 places below them in the UEFA club coefficient.
The 2-1 second-leg defeat at Ibrox on Tuesday night was Rangers’ third consecutive loss, after being downed in the first leg at the Eleda Stadium last week and by Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday in the Premiership.
Few players put in performances worthy of pass marks but £7m 2019 signing Kent was singled out for criticism.
The 24-year-old grabbed the assist for Alfredo Morelos’ opener, but offered little else of note on the night. He had several wild efforts on goal, struggled to beat defenders and didn’t produce enough quality from wide areas.
Hateley said on BBC Sportsound: “At the start of this season, he’s been a non-entity for me.”
“His performance for me tonight was 5 out of 10? When you are at a top team and you are expected to perform at a top level, you live and die by your performances.”
Adam agreed with the Ibrox legend and questioned whether or not Kent has been 100% focused so far this season.
“I watched him against Real Madrid in the friendly. I thought he was excellent. He tore the right-back to shreds and I thought he was going to have a good season, but…has his head been turned? From where?”
Kent did set up one of only two goals Rangers scored across the two legs and many other players were also below par.
However, given how much the Gers paid for him and his importance to the team in terms of creativity, his current form is a concern.
It’s early days yet and although the Champions League dream is over, this could still be a special season. Key men like Kent will need to raise their levels quickly, though, if that is to become a reality.
Rangers could be looking to bring in a new wide player, with a journalist claiming they have opened negotiations with a club for a £3m-rated winger.
