Rangers aren’t at a good enough level where Philippe Clement can afford to have passengers in his team.
This is highlighted even more when playing Celtic when every individual in the squad could be called upon to play their part.
At Hampden, most of those who Clement trusted didn’t let him down, however, it is clear that there are some who are masquerading as Rangers players whose days at Ibrox should be numbered.
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The three priority exits Nils Koppen must work on for Rangers
Expected to be out for a matter of weeks, Rabbi Matondo has been reported by the manager as being close to a return since before the last international break.
Either his body can’t cope with the demands of professional football or the Rangers jersey is just to heavy.
Whichever it is, Matondo isn’t anywhere near to justifying his wage packet when you consider the number of games he has missed since signing – for context, Joe Aribo played more games in one year than Matondo has since signing in 2022.
With the game opening up, a winger with searing pace could have made the difference if only they weren’t sitting in the stands.
Why Kieran Dowell is a signing that never made sense
A signing that was made because then manager Michael Beale was impressed with him as a youngster, Kieran Dowell wasn’t needed and so it has proven.
Clement continues to give the utility midfielder chances, and yet he has failed to take any of them.
Another on big wages who should be replaced by someone who could contribute an awful lot more, although that wouldn’t be hard.
Rangers third choice striker shouldn’t be one of the highest earners
The last one is an obvious one, Cyriel Dessers, who has been linked with a move to France.
His numbers look respectable, but he is now third choice, can’t be trusted to take a penalty despite only playing 15 minutes and was woefully short of the standard needed in terms of work rate and attitude.
As a senior player, he should be setting the example.
As seen in the summer and the scandalously low £800,000 that was brought in for the players who left, Nils Koppen has a job on his hand persuading other clubs to take these players off Rangers’ hands.
Unfortunately, Rangers won’t move forward until he does.
