Rangers player ratings v St Johnstone: 8/10 steals the show but 4/10 has much to prove
12/01/2024 09:17 AM
Rangers have recorded a much-needed victory over St Johnstone to get back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership.
The Ibrox side recorded a 1-0 victory over the Perthshire Saints on an at times turgid and leggy afternoon in Perth, Jason Holt's own goal under pressure eventually proving the difference.
After the heroics of the 4-1 Europa League victory over OGC Nice in France, Philippe Clement urged his players to find a way to win at McDiarmid Park.
Whilst it wasn't the prettiest game of football we've ever seen, a spirited St Johnstone's resolve was eventually broken and Rangers got the job done.
Here's how the Rangers team rated in the Scottish Premiership victory:
Rangers player ratings v St Johnstone
Jack Butland – 7
The Rangers goalkeeper had a bit of a nervous start to the season but is once again finding the sort of form that endeared him to Ibrox supporters last season.
Swept up well and showed real composure coming out of box. Is returning to that reliable presence between the sticks.
James Tavernier – 8
The Rangers captain was given the nod amid Dujon Sterling's latest injury problem and was tasked with driving the team forward to victory in Perth.
Has clearly lost a bit of an attacking edge but can still be relied on to put in a worthy shift when called upon.
Made an excellent clearing header in the first half and linked up well throughout. Took responsibility in the second and was crucial to Jason Holt forcing him an own goal. Never stopped until the final whistle.
John Souttar – 7
Alongside Jack Butland, one of two players that are the first names on the Rangers team sheet.
A commanding presence at the back who is improving by the game. Souttar is strong in the challenge and relishes a physical duel.
The Scotland star can also play a bit and boasted 97% pass accuracy in the match. A driving force and leader in this Rangers team with increasingly huge presence.
Robin Propper – 4
Continues to look nervous and out of place when playing in Scotland. Propper's head seems miles away and he constantly appears capable of a big mistake.
Got off a couple of times in the first half, where he'd been walking gingerly throughout. Hooked at half-time. Big improvements needed.
Jefte – 6
The Brazilian is always an outlet and by the game is always involved as Rangers surge down the left hand side.
Got himself in some good positions in the first-half and is always looking to positively influence the game.
That said, the end product is often lacking and Jefte needs to be more ruthless in good positions. Good player, at risk of being overused.
Connor Barron – 6
Connor Barron has a huge hunger and engine and is another reliable performer at Rangers, but there was frustration with a lack of progressive passing against St Johnstone.
Whilst the Scotland hopeful snapped into tackles and was crucial to winning the ball back for Rangers, Barron needs to have a greater influence going forward and be braver with his passes up the pitch.
Solid showing and plenty to build on, but there are still levels for the kid to go up.
Nicolas Raskin – 7
Nicolas Raskin is fast becoming Rangers' most frustrating player – at least for opposition teams.
The midfielder is not scared to get stuck in and is always central to breaking up play and winning the ball back for the Gers. Nico can pick a pass and plays with his head up too.
Another solid showing from the Belgian, who is a very clever player and knows when to foul and when to disrupt the opposition.
A crucial player for Rangers and a footballing archetype we've lacked for a long time.
Ianis Hagi – 8 – Player of the Match
The Romanian playmaker is back in the Rangers fold and stood out as the best player on the pitch at McDiarmid Park.
Acted as a creative pivot in the first half and offered some real composure against a St Johnstone team who were in the ascendency.
Found space and his teammates time and again and was always looking for the killer pass, even if it didn't always come off.
No surprise Hagi played a crucial role in the decisive goal. Still not match fit and it shows, but is moving in the right direction.
Vaclav Cerny – 6
Another who is feeling the impact of a busy schedule for club and country, Cerny put in yet another shift for Rangers but struggled to have the impact he's had in recent matches at McDiarmid Park.
After a quiet opening, Cerny eventually got on the ball to rasp a reminder of his quality to St Johnstone just past the post.
Creates things, takes responsibility and is another very important player to the team. But he is beginning to tire and he got a breather in the closing stages.
Nedim Bajrami – 5
Nedim Bajrami is one of Rangers' most creative players but increasingly the midfielder cuts a tired figure on Scottish Premiership duties.
The Albanian has been used extensively by club and country and it is beginning to tell. Lacks incision and decisiveness, although Bajrami forced a good save from Joshua Rae in the first half.
Hooked at half-time.
Hamza Igamane – 6
Was given the nod by Philippe Clement after his double heroics in Nice but the Moroccan faced an altogether different task in Perth.
Put in a tireless shift against St Johnstone even if it didn't always go his way on the day.
Competes, presses and has the ability to create space and chances when the ball falls to him.
Had a decent effort in the first half but clear cut chances were limited.
Substitutions:
Leon Balogun – 6 – Certainly had a much easier second half that Propper's first. St Johnstone offered very little in the second period and the experienced defender mopped up everything thrown at him.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 5 – Still recovering from injury and getting minutes, Yilmaz clearly has technical ability and you have to embrace his urgency on the ball. Will take time to get back to where he was.
Danilo – 5 – The Brazilian striker came on and worked tirelessly to make an impact on the game between the left-wing and the striker berth. Fashioned a few openings and even had a solid pop on goal that was saved by Josh Rae. Has technical ability and is a striker who never lets up but Danilo is another who is still recovering from a long-term lay-off.
Mohamed Diomande – 6 – Excellent player to take on in this kind of match, with Diomande being instructed to hold the ball up and bring composure and energy to midfield. Excellent ball player and an at times elegant midfielder, Rangers are still working out how to get the best from him.
Kieran Dowell – 4 – Introduced late on and was asked to hold up play and provide some energy to keep the ball in the final third.
