Rangers player ratings v Ross County: 9/10 a new fans' favourite in 3-0 romp in Dingwall
12/08/2024 09:00 AM
Rangers continue their resurgence under Philippe Clement with a convincing victory against Ross County in a potentially tricky Scottish Premiership trip to the Highlands.
Rangers came undone at Ross County last season to see their tired Scottish Premiership title tilt unravel but Philippe Clement's team were fully focused on got the job done in Dingwall.
A deflected Hamza Igamane effort and a Danilo tap in after closing down stumbling Staggies goalkeeper Jack Hamilton had the Gers 2-0 up at half time.
Rangers eventually got a third through James Tavernier in the second half when the Ibrox skipper rasped in a low shot to cap off a scrappy second period.
Here's how the Rangers players rated against Ross County.
Rangers player ratings v Ross County
Jack Butland – 6
The Rangers goalkeeper almost sold the jerseys as he stumbled on the ball in the first half.
Also made a stunning diving save with the score at 1-0 to balance things out.
Jack Butland then made a strong stop from a Ross County corner in the second period, although the header was aimed right at him.
Solid enough performance but narrowly avoided embarrassment.
James Tavernier – 8
Given the nod despite Dujon Sterling returning to the Rangers bench and had a few poor passes in the first half that put his team under pressure.
Wasteful passing was a feature of James Tavernier's first half all in all and whilst the Rangers skipper was back to his energetic best v Kilmarnock, it took the skipper some time to get going v Ross County.
Became more involved as the game went on and was central to the club's attacks in the second half, with Tavernier eventually being rewarded with the third goal of the game.
Looks hungry and increasingly effective but should Tavernier start next week's League Cup Final v Celtic?
John Souttar – 8
Rangers' top man at the back and a centre-back playing with increasing confidence.
An immense siege defender who is often the last line of defence and who always puts his body on the line.
Reads the game immensely and is in the form of his life.
Bailed Jack Butland out in the first half and commanded the game throughout, dealing with every cross and header in a no-nonsense fashion.
Almost scored at the back post in the second half.
Becoming a modern reimagining of the good old fashioned Rangers centre-back.
Leon Balogun – 7
Undoubtedly the most stable option alongside John Souttar at the heart of the Rangers defence.
Knows the league and knows his role, the Nigerian defender can play a bit too.
Underrated at times and once again dealt with everything thrown at him and lead by example from the back.
Alongside Souttar, Balogun won everything that was thrown into the box in an assured performance.
Tough in the duel and fully committed in the tackle. It's easy to forget the guy is 36.
Jefte – 8
Heavily involved throughout the match, Brazilian left-back Jefte has been one of the signings of the season in Scottish football.
Had the most touches in the first half and was heavily involved in everything Rangers did in the first half, with the Brazilian teeing up Hamza Igamane's opener.
Still only 20, Jefte is impressing Rangers supporters and the wing-back put in an energetic and creative display out left for his team.
One of the players of the match and must be in the running for Young Player of the Year at this stage.
Nicolas Raskin – 6
Rangers' midfield marshal is becoming an increasingly important part of Philippe Clement's team but this was a less impactful performance from the midfielder.
With the bulk of Rangers' game being played out on the flanks or with Rangers moving it quickly to the final third, Raskin was less involved in the match than in recent outings but still covered every blade of grass.
Ross County also worked hard to prevent Rangers' midfielders having time on the ball but the Belgian was on hand to mop up loose balls.
Raskin might've struggled to impose himself the same way but also never let the side down and was always competitive in the middle of the pitch.
Connor Barron – 5
Another midfielder who struggled to really impose himself on the pitch, Connor Barron might've lacked in effectiveness at times but not in effort.
Always hurried Ross County but often snapped too eagerly into tackles on a physical afternoon in Dingwall, contributing to a scrappy game.
Tried to keep things simple and was involved as Rangers played it around the edge of the box but there was not enough quality with the final or incisive ball in Dingwall.
Never came off for the Scotland hopeful today.
Ianis Hagi – 7
Playing with increasing confidence and finding his form after being recalled to the Rangers team.
Should've been played in by Danilo to make it 2-0 and was always a threat with both feet at the edge of the Rangers box.
Rasped a shot over the bar and was once again a composed option at the crux of everything Rangers did in the first period.
Tired in the second half as he continues to regain fitness but Hagi is showing shades of a top player who has matured immensely.
Vaclav Cerny – 5
Always a threat cutting in from the right but had a wasteful first-half when he hesitated on a number of openings.
Kept hold of the ball too long and tried to be too perfect instead of pulling the trigger, but Vaclav Cerny is always active and always involved in the Rangers attack.
Might not have always come off for him with that killer pass, cross or shot but is a really dangerous player who can impact games.
Had a weak shot saved in the second half when played through by Igamane and perhaps feelings the impact of the busy schedule.
Rangers might not have the cash to sign Vaclav Cerny permanently but the Czech winger is really beginning to enjoy his time in Glasgow and can be a difference-maker this season.
Hamza Igamane – 9 – Player of the Match
The moustached maestro is fast becoming a fans' favourite, something summed up by the Rangers support signing Hamza Igamane's name to Super Ally McCoist's tune.
Igamane shows superb control and agility and is a creative player who finds and makes space, and someone who also has an increasingly lethal touch.
Never deterred on the pitch, Hamza Igamane comes time and again and must be a terrifying opponent to face when he's on form.
Relishes the physical battle with defenders and constantly comes deep to influence play, such as when Igamane peeled off the left and fired in a rasping shot to open the scoring.
Big talent who looks increasingly fearless at Rangers.
Danilo – 7
Rangers have been crying out for a poacher type in their team for years and Danilo has the attributes to be that lethal number nine striker the club has sorely lacked.
Still getting back to fitness and it showed at times but Danilo can sniff out chances and finish them as proven by Rangers' second goal.
Closing down the Ross County goalkeeper and tapping it into the net, the celebrations with the Rangers support show a player increasingly embracing the culture at Ibrox.
Will only get better the more he plays which is an exciting prospect for Rangers supporters but the striker tired in the second half.
Substitutions:
Nedim Bajrami –6 – Came on with a point to prove and showed a number of decent touches in and around the box. Had a shot beaten away by Jack Hamilton.
Dujon Sterling –5 – Came into midfield and put in a physical and assured performance, if not a little wasteful at times on the ball and in the pass.
Mohamed Diomande – 5 – Got involved in the play and was eager to impress coming off the bench. Has real technique and is a brilliant player to take on to get on the ball up the park.
Cyriel Dessers – 5 – Inadvertently got an assist for Tavernier's goal on his birthday.
Kieran Dowell – N/A – Taking on late for the third game on the bounce and must be impressing Clement in training.
