Rangers player ratings as Curtis, Gassama & Butland shine
Hamstrung a little by adapted shape and style under the new manager. Far less involved in bursting down the right flank, instead encouraged to invert and cut inside into a central midfield position. Defended fairly well when required and set demands vocally on the pitch.
John Souttar 7
A typical John Souttar performance in Europe from the Scotland centre-back. Threw himself at anything and everything in the box and made some crucial blocks when Rangers were under pressure in the first half. Booked after 28 minutes, took one for the team as Panathinaikos looked to counter.
Nasser Djiga 6
Thrown in for his debut in a high-pressure situation and with clear instructions to play out from the back. Guided through by John Souttar and willing to put himself about. Had to be bailed out after being robbed of the ball on the edge of the box but rallied to regain his composure.
Max Aarons 6
Schoehorned into left-back instead of Jefte, who was named on the bench. Trusted by Martin and did fairly well on his debut. Another was instructed to take on an inverted role, which clearly needs more work in the coming weeks, but carried out his duties well.
Nicolas Raskin 7
A swashbuckling performance from the Belgian, who looked the most likely to drive Rangers forward when he picked up the ball. Frustrated for periods at a lack of possession, but was always amongst the first to engage with opposition players. Burst into the box on a number of occasions, but was just missing the final ball into the box. Will be key for Rangers again this season.
Mohamed Diomande 6
Not one of his most impressive outings from Rangers, but far from a bad night for Diomande. A little bit lost at times in the midfield but grew into the contest and started to keep things ticking for Rangers, particularly in the second half. Played the full 90 in a tireless display in the centre of the park.
Joe Rothwell 7
A solid introduction to life at Rangers for the midfielder. Nothing flashy, but did a lot of the running and some dirty work in the centre to try and take control of the play. Clearly, more to come from the Englishman but he can be pleased with his efforts in a first bow at Ibrox against tricky opposition.
Kieran Dowell 7
Looks to have played himself back into the fold at Rangers after his loan at Birmingham last season. Deployed on the right but always desperate to come inside to affect the play where possible. Nearly scored himself with a looping header, but it landed on the roof of the net in the moments after the opener.
Findlay Curtis 8
Inclusion in the starting XI raised more than a few eyes inside Ibrox but proved himself throughout. Bursting with determination to work in both directions from the left. Provided moment of quality to curl home, helped by a deflection, from outside the box to send Rangers ahead.
Danilo 6
The Brazilian was given the nod in the sole striker role after an electric pre-season. Was unable to continue his scoring streak as he had limited clear sight of goal during his time on the pitch. Unfortunate to see one big effort was blocked and turned wide after a decent connection.
Djeidi Gassma (for Curtis, 74) 7
On the park for just four minutes before making his impact. Doubled lead with a terrific goal, cutting inside from left and then reversing strike into bottom corner. Ibrox support audibly excited every time he touched the ball with Panathinaikos defenders unable to get close to him.
Hamza Igamane (for Dowell, 74) 4
Close to a third as he leapt into the air at the back post but unable to get a good connection on the ball as it bounced harmlessly wide.
Cyriel Dessers (for Danilo, 74) 4
Didn't have any real openings after his introduction. Still getting up to fitness.
Nedim Bajrami (for Rothwell, 86) 3
Delayed introduction after repeated issues with his socks before coming on. Not majorly involved.
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