Gers player ratings v Dundee: three 8/10s compete for POTM on Ibrox anniversary
Yesterday at 12:18 PM
Rangers have moved into second in the Scottish Premiership table after getting back to winning ways against Dundee at Ibrox.
After a week dominated by headlines about the controversial Premier Sports Cup Final defeat to Celtic on penalty kicks, it was imperative Rangers got back to winning ways against Dundee.
The match was also a cause for celebration for supporters, as Rangers commemorated Ibrox Stadium's 125th birthday v Dundee by wearing a special jersey in Glasgow.
Rangers dominated the entire game but could only muster one goal, with Vaclav Cerny breaking the offside trap moments after the first half restart to round the keeper and score.
Rangers did fashion a number of chances throughout the game and hit the woodwork on four ocasisons.
But Philippe Clement's team lacked the necessary cutting edge to finish the Dens Park side off, something which contributed to a nervy finish at Ibrox.
With Aberdeen losing 3-1 at home to Hibs, Rangers go a point above their northeast rivals in the Scottish Premiership with a game in hand on the Pittodrie club.
Here's how the Rangers players rated in the 1-0 win over Dundee.
Rangers player ratings v Dundee (Scottish Premiership)
Liam Kelly – 6
Called into the starting line up after an injury to Jack Butland in the warm up.
Kept a clean sheet on his Rangers debut after returning to the club from Motherwell in the summer.
Didn't have much to do all afternoon but was composed and solid on the ball.
James Tavernier – 8
The Rangers captain was a relentless presence down the right hand side of the pitch and looks back to his athletic and technical best.
Had a number of efforts on goal and routinely popped up at the back post, as we've been used to seeing over the years.
A tireless presence who looks back to his best, the 33-year-old is Rangers' standard setter and the heartbeat of the team.
Smashed a stunning free kick off the bar in the first half.
Dujon Sterling – 7
Dujon Sterling is used to deputising in positions across the pitch when called upon and the ex-Chelsea talent started at centre-back against Dundee.
Put in a composed display and never really looked out of place, with the right-back good on the ball and disciplined in a way which makes him a manager's dream.
Predictably, Sterling competed physically and was comfortable on the ball for the majority of the game.
Robin Propper – 7
The Dutchman still has a tendency to hover on the ball but Robin Propper is beginning to settle into Scottish football.
A comfortable defensive display on an afternoon where Rangers were scarcely threatened by Dundee, Propper got on the ball and looks increasingly vocal on the park.
Unlucky not to have an assist for Ianis Hagi when VAR confirmed the Romanian playmaker was offside when he thought he'd added a second.
Jefte – 6
Jefte was the birthday boy for Rangers as the 21-year-old celebrated on the park with a start against Dundee at Ibrox.
At times was very hasty in the challenge and gave away a number of needless free kicks when chasing down the ball.
Jefte is always tireless but sometimes lacks a bit of a discipline both defensively and offensively and the defender was inconsistent in both departments against Dundee.
Nicolas Raskin – 7
Becoming one of the first names on the Rangers teamsheet, Nicolas Raskin is the commanding player in the Ibrox midfield.
Snaps into tackles, has immense midfield timing and is an intelligent footballer who makes dominating a midfield look easy.
Drives the team forward and is the orchestrator of so much of Rangers' play from the base of midfield. Another impressive performance.
Mohamed Diomande – 6
Mohamed Diomande had an impressive first half against Dundee, routinely showing strong touches and finding space in the middle of the pitch.
Linked up well with the rest of his Rangers teammates as the Gers varied their play on approach to the Dundee box.
But the midfielder didn't have enough of an impact in the final third and his influence waned as the game wore on. Still waiting on Dio to become thee man for Rangers.
Ianis Hagi – 8
Ianis Hagi was probably Rangers' most effective and consistent offensive player against Dundee at Ibrox in another impressive display from the Romanian.
Hagi was full of invention and creativity and is a step ahead of most of the other players on the park, seeing passes and opportunities others just do not.
Clearly desperate for that first Rangers goal since returning to the team but is becoming a consistent player for the Gers and a real creative threat.
Vaclav Cerny – 8
Vaclav Cerny is without a doubt Rangers' most talented forward player and the Czech winger had the Dundee defence backtracking throughout the match.
Fashioned a number of half chances but never quite got close enough to threaten Dundee's goal until he broke free in the second half.
Narrowly being kept onside to score Rangers' only goal of the game, Cerny is an Ibrox match winner and a minimum 7/10 every single week in terms of application, effort and quality.
Hamza Igamane – 6
Hamza Igamane has been a man on form for Rangers as of late but the striker did struggle to take any of the half chances which fell his way in the first half.
Shows great touches and is a clever forward who can find space and create chances for himself, Igamane linked up well with Hagi throughout but was wasteful when it mattered.
Hit the bar from a low cross when it looked easier to score. It just wasn't to be Igamane's day in front of goal.
Danilo – 6
Danilo is clearly still working his way back from injury but the Brazilian played a key role in Rangers winning the game against Dundee.
The Brazilian played a tidy pass through for Vaclav Cerny to bear down on goal and score the eventual winner but chances and clean opportunities evaded the striker.
Struggling to get a ruthless connection on his chances and still lacks that real sharpness which makes him a threat in front of goal, but Danilo's movement is excellent and he's only going to get better.
Links up well with the forward line and is an unpredictable player.
Substitutions
Nedim Bajrami – 4 – The Albanian playmaker cut a frustrated figure at times and was wasteful in the final third as Rangers attacked. A talented player but increasingly forceful in his offensive actions.
Ross McCausland – 4 – Only just returning from injury but the Northern Irish attacker was very wasteful with the score at 1-0. Twice found himself through on goal and hesitated.
Ridvan Yilmaz – N/A – enthusiastic but little time to properly influence the play.
Cyriel Dessers – 6 – Bright cameo from Cyriel Dessers who looked sharp and held the ball up well. Sprayed some passes around and was unlucky to lash a late shot off the bar.
