Michael Beale spoke about the line up for todays game being ‘exciting’ could that mean the inclusion of Rabbi Matondo and his first SPFL minutes this year? With Ryan Kent out and Matondo’s preferred position last season being on the left, could he finally get the chance to show what he can do in the position the club scouted him in?
It’s worth remembering that the winger is still only twenty-two years old and hasn’t really had a proper run of games in the first team. He has shown, in glimpses, in those appearances that there is a good player in there, he just needs the confidence and the chance to kick on and prove his worth.
He’s a player blessed with tremendous pace and a dribbling style more similar to Sakala than Kent. He’s not afraid to drive to the by line instead of cutting inside, he’s also more than happy to only beat his opponent once and not turn back in on himself.
Is he as effective a dribbler as Kent? No. Is he as big a creative threat as Kent? No. What he can bring though is blistering pace, determination and an unpredictability, again, similar to Sakala.
Matondo only has thirteen appearances for the club so far, with six being from the start and averaging 44 minutes per game. In those games he’s managed three assists, two of which showed real quality on the ball, particularly the assist for Colak away at Tynecastle. In short bursts he has looked impressive but he’s the type of player who thrives off of space to run into and Rangers don’t get that very often.
He’s a player who needs a chance to show if he truly belongs at this club or not and today could be his perfect opportunity. Do you think there’s a chance he can turn it around at Ibrox?