When Rangers signed Rabbi Matondo in the summer for an initial £2million in a deal that could rise to £3m, it looked like a good piece of business.
He had just enjoyed a successful season at Cercle Brugge where he scored 10 goals in 27 appearances, however, he hasn’t, as yet, been able to replicate that sort of form for Rangers managing five assists only since joining.
Initial fitness issues saw him in and out of the squad but, with Michael Beale starting to get bodies back, Matondo has found himself sitting in the stand for the last two games – Fashion Sakala making the most of his opportunity whereas the Welsh winger has fluffed his lines when he has been given the chance to shine under the new boss.
He caused Ross County and Motherwell problems in a couple of cameo appearances but he should have walked off both games with at least a goal and it is this lack of confidence that has seen suggestions for the 22-year old to head out on loan, a claim rubbished by Football Scotland:
“Rangers have no plans to send Rabbi Matondo on loan this month despite the winger not making the squad for the last two games.
“Football Scotland understands the winger will stay put at Ibrox this transfer window despite clubs sniffing around the former Schalke attacker.”
Beale has spoken about building his confidence back up so, sending him to another club is unlikely to do that. He now finds himself behind Scott Wright in the pecking order though in terms of getting a spot in the squad and only impressing in training will rectify this.
Matondo is young enough to come good but he has to show more composure when he gets his chance, his pace gets him into some good positions and, against a club like Liverpool, he proved that he can be a threat – he just needs to start doing it against Ross County on a cold, Tuesday night in Dingwall if he really wants to become a regular.