Hello, fellow Rangers fans! Welcome back to the Ibrox Insider for the latest summary on Rangers pre-season action. This week, the Gers rounded off their trip to Holland with a tough 2-1 defeat against the Dutch giants, Ajax. While the result wasn’t what we hoped for, there were some noteworthy moments and positives to take away as we gear up for the season ahead.
Goalkeeper has a Game to Forget, While Another Shines
Let’s start with the man between the sticks, Jack Butland. He had a bit of a rollercoaster match, didn’t he? Butland pulled off a stunning save early on, denying Chuba Akpom with a top drawer stop. Unfortunately, he made a couple of costly errors that allowed Ajax to take the lead. But hey, it’s still early days, and pre-season is all about shaking off the rust and getting match fit. We know Butland has the quality; he just needs to iron out those mistakes.
In the second half, we got to see Liam Kelly in action, and boy did he impress! Kelly made several key saves and looked very assured between the posts. It’s great to see him stepping up and making a strong case for more playing time. Competition for places is always healthy, and Kelly is certainly making the most of his opportunities.
Diomande and Barron Impress in the Middle for Rangers
One of the big positives from the game was the performance of Mohamed Diomande. Picking up where he left off last season, Diomande was a real presence in the midfield, showcasing his vision and work rate. Alongside him, Connor Barron also put in a solid shift. Barron’s forward passes were instrumental in getting us moving up the pitch, and his energy was infectious. These two are definitely ones to watch as the season progresses.
Raw Talent and Pace on the Rangers Wing
Jefte had his first real run-out at left-back, and while he looked a bit raw, he showed some promising signs. His pace and willingness to overlap down the wing were encouraging, even if the final product wasn’t always there. It’s early days for Jefte, and with more game time and experience, we could see him develop into a key player for us.
Established Rangers Players Need to Find Their Feet Quickly
Some of our longer-serving players still seem to be finding their feet this pre-season. It’s not unusual for players to take a bit longer to hit their stride, but it’s something to keep an eye on. If these performances don’t improve as we get closer to the start of the season, it could be a cause for concern. However, we have faith in the squad and the coaching staff to get everyone up to speed.
Great to See Danilo Back on the Football Pitch and Smiling
A major highlight of the game was seeing Danilo back on the pitch. After a long seven-month absence due to a cruciate knee ligament injury, the Brazilian made his comeback, playing the final 15 minutes. He was inches away from scoring an equalizer, and it’s fantastic to have him back in the squad. His return is like a new signing, and we can’t wait to see what he’ll bring to the team this season.
Looking Forward to the Season Ahead
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It’s clear that we still need to add some experience and quality to the squad. However, before we can bring new players in, we need to move some on. It’s a delicate balancing act, but one that’s crucial for our success this season. Philippe Clement has a big job on his hands, but we trust in his vision and strategy.
With two pre-season matches down and three to go, including games against Manchester United, Birmingham City, and Union Berlin, there’s still plenty of time for the squad to gel and find their form. Clement will be expecting to see improvements with each game, and so will we.
So, let’s keep the faith, support the team, and get ready for what promises to be an exciting season ahead. We are Rangers, and we will rise to the challenge!
As always, stay tuned to Ibrox Insider for all the latest updates and insights. Let’s go, Rangers!
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