One thing that has been noticeable in the Champions League is how fast opposition players are. Take Napoli, for example, Ridvan Yilmaz and Ryan Kent will terrorise every SPFL defence because of how fast they are; yet, neither was really able to lose their markers.
Kent, in particular, has cut a frustrated figure only able to create a few chances for team-mates across the group stages. A far cry from the player who was so devastating in the Europa League and named in the team of the tournament.
Speaking about the Rangers winger’s current form via The Rangers Review, RTV pundit, Kevin Thomson said of the 25-year old:
“It’s a confidence thing for me with Ryan.
“We all know how much quality he has got — it’s undeniable. But he’s going through a tough time right now.
“He’s lacking a bit of belief and confidence as an individual.”
Personally, I thought that Kent did ok considering the level of opposition. He managed to get free a few times and was effective at getting us up the park, cutting inside also gave Ridvan space to overlap. It’s a partnership that will get a lot more joy domestically.
Kent’s biggest issue appears to be a reluctance to get on the end of chances and I still think this goes back to the Europa League final and his fabled “miss” that we will never know if it would have stood.
Alfredo Morelos provided a perfect cutback to the penalty spot from the right-hand side but Kent was positioned outside of the box, he should have been making every effort to attack the ball with our only striker providing the ammunition.
It was another frustrating night for Rangers fans in more ways than one, but all – well, almost all – will be forgiven if we see a decent performance and three points at the weekend.