BBC Sportscene pundit impresses with low-confidence Rabbi Matondo in Rangers’ triumph over Aberdeen.
Neil McCann was particularly delighted with Rabbi Matondo’s “superb” work leading up to his first goal for Rangers against Aberdeen.
During a live interview on BBC Sportscene, the Ibrox winger lauded the Light Blues’ winger for snatching a loose ball in the Dons’ half and sparking a counter-attack after Kelle Roos mishandled Ross McCausland’s attempt.
However, McCann believes the Welsh international lacks confidence in his Rangers performance and can still progress under Philippe Clement.
McCann said (11m): “I felt Rabbi Matondo performed really well down the left side, nice and direct, right from the start.
“He’s forging a collaboration with Ridvan Yilmaz. His reaction is fantastic, with the purpose of immediately catching the ball and continuing his run to see what happens when it comes out wide.
“That should be dealt with by the keeper, without question, but when it’s spilled there, Nicky Devlin as a defender, you’re always told you should follow in just as the striker’s are supposed to do.
“Nicky Devlin stands still. Rabbi Matondo’s rapid reactions and strong finale result in a successful 45-minute performance.
Despite this, the pundit stated, “He hasn’t always had the final touch. I don’t believe he is completely confident, and he isn’t making the correct decisions at the right times, but that will come. He showed sparks tonight, and his pace will always cause defenders problems.”
Matondo strikes for Rangers but more still to come
Matondo looked unstoppable in his approach play against Neil Warnock’s team in the first half, and if he can keep improving, he might be key in the title chase.
His goal came in a narrow but crucial win over the Dons, bringing him level on points with Celtic at the top of the SPFL table.
The injury of Abdallah Sima has significantly impacted Rangers and Clement. However, Matondo and McCausland, as well as newcomer Oscar Cortes, have been given opportunities to replace the void.
The former Schalke player appears to be responding to the increased opportunities, having started four of the last five games in all competitions and scoring or assisting a goal every time he has been named to the starting lineup.
There is still a long way to go before he can be considered a certain starter, but the early indicators are promising.
It’s tough to deny that there are still voids in this group, especially given the injury issues, but confidence is growing and guys appear to be rising up.
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