Brian Laudrup’s identify was not one many would have anticipated to be evoked when discussing Rangers’ large males within the 3-0 thumping of Viktoria Plzen.
Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson did admit it was ridiculously untimely to counsel Djeidi Gassama or Oliver Antman might ever make the type of impression the enduring Dane did at Ibrox.
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However the comparability served to underline the impression the dynamic wingers had made on him and the Rangers followers as they ripped the Czech facet to shreds on this Champions League third qualifying spherical first leg.
Gassama has exploded onto the scene since signing from Sheffield Wednesday.
His two fabulous targets, one in every leg, helped drag Rangers by means of a treacherous project towards Panathinaikos and over the primary hurdle on the highway to the Champions League.
With Antman on the opposite flank providing comparable tempo, footwork and eye for aim simply someday after becoming a member of the membership, Rangers regarded a crew that had discovered a brand new gear.
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“I can not bear in mind the final time Rangers had two electrical wingers on the pitch on the identical time,” mentioned former Ibrox midfielder Andy Halliday on Sportscene. “For such an extended time period, it has been such an issue for Rangers.”
What made them so harmful?
Antman left his prints everywhere in the recreation on his Rangers debut.
The Finnish winger – signed from Go Forward Eagles, the place he scored six targets and supplied 15 assists in 32 video games final time period – was unfortunate to not rating when he noticed a goal-bound effort blocked on the road.
He was introduced down within the field after a surging run that resulted within the penalty that was tucked away by Cyriel Dessers.
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His cross was measured to perfection for Gassama to knock inthe third aim to provide Rangers daylight within the tie.
“I believe you’ll be able to see why we wished to signal him,” mentioned Rangers head coach Russell Martin of the 23-year-old, who has agreed a four-year deal.
“He is recreation, he is prepared, he is actually aggressive and he has moments of actual high quality.”
Gassama’s efficiency additionally drew reward from the pinnacle coach.
The Mauritania-born 21-year-old has now scored 4 targets in as many video games since becoming a member of from Sheffield Wednesday in July – 50% of what he delivered in 47 matches final time period.
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Three of these targets have come within the Champions League, making them much more helpful to the Ibrox membership given the potential riches on provide.
“We spoke concerning the want for some winger-to-winger targets and Gassama is actually stepping up by way of depth, he actually needs to attain,” Martin added.
“We confirmed him a whole lot of clips once we signed him the place he finally ends up too far-off from aim. He is taken on the data actually, rather well.”
What did the pundits say?
Former Rangers winger Peter Lovenkrands:
“Antman has proven implausible promise. He is trying very, very thrilling and he has a bundle of tempo. And I like how Gassama assaults the again publish.
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“I like watching two wingers operating in behind and so they could make a implausible partnership. It’s going to undoubtedly get followers out of their seats.”
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday:
“I used to be so impressed with Antman. He had all the things. His work price was wonderful and he did an awesome job.
“You may already see why he obtained so many assists final season. He does not simply drive it into the field, he tries to choose gamers out.
“Gassama is direct, fast and nice 1v1. He was a relentless risk and induced defenders a whole lot of issues.”
Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson:
“The wingers gave Rangers an injection of tempo within the last third was clearly lacking towards Motherwell.
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“Antman was sensational. He is very direct and lightning fast and I can not bear in mind him giving the ball away. His resolution making was spot on.”
Former Rangers ahead Steven Thompson:
“The penetration Antman has delivered to this facet has been completely good. What an impression. They simply look a lot extra harmful.”