Rangers improved on their Tynecastle draw with a spirited performance in Poland against Dynamo Kyiv but the same defensive issues remained.
As a unit, Jack Butland was relatively protected, however, against good opposition, was always going to have something to do – not that he had a chance with the goal that was conceded.
The reason Rangers went behind was a basic error in terms of Ridvan Yilmaz losing possession and then John Souttar neither cutting the cross out or tracking Andriy Yarmolenko, an issue that it will be hoped Robin Pröpper can solve.
Robin Propper can be Rangers Marc Guehi
The former Twente captain didn’t feature against the Ukrainians despite Phillipe Clement suggesting that he was happy with his fitness and conditioning and being part of the squad.
The manager might not be able to shop at the top end of the elite markets, with Nils Koppen’s transfer policy though, he can identify the next best thing.
Marc Guehi was one of England’s best players as they went close to winning the European Championships and Rangers latest acquisition measures up well with the towering Crystal Palace defender.
A Chelsea academy graduate and former teammate of Dujo Sterling, Guehi is almost a throwback centre-half as Data MB’s statistics show.
Rangers have missed a player who does all the dirty work although this is a bit unfair to Leon Balogun who was immense against Dynamo in mid-week.
Propper’s physicality is a quality that clearly attracted Clement:
“We are thrilled to welcome Robin to Rangers and he will be an excellent addition to our squad.
“As a defender he is powerful and has great attributes, which include the experience he has gained from his years playing in the Netherlands and the leadership qualities he has shown from being the captain of FC Twente.
“He is excited to start the next chapter of his career in Scotland and we are excited to have him on board as we get ready for the new season. We are thrilled Robin has decided to become a Rangers player.”
Propper can be the new Helander for Clement
Rangers fans were disappointed not to see Propper’s name in the starting line-up for the crucial Champions League qualifier, especially after the way the first goal was lost.
Like Guehi, Propper will be expected to be the one in the back line who reads the danger and puts out fires before they get to Butland.
What he will also be expected to do though, is organise a rearguard and midfield that has a bad habit of switching off and of causing itself problems.
As Rangers head into a new era of statistic based recruitment, it will be hoped that Propper is as good as he looks on paper.
