Ibrox ace who was a ‘slow burner’ now a ‘Proper’ Rangers player

Barry Ferguson gushes over Ridvan Yilmaz, now a ‘proper Rangers player’

Despite having a rough start to life at Ibrox since coming in July 2022, Barry Ferguson thinks Ridvan Yilmaz is now a “proper Rangers player.”

The full-back, who is now among the first names on the teamsheet, has seen a notable improvement in form this season, particularly since Philippe Clement’s hiring in October.
Having sustained an injury with Turkey during the international break, Yilmaz’s availability to play Old Firm rivals Celtic on Sunday, April 7, is still in doubt, but there is yet hope.

Ferguson, in an article for the Daily Record on Friday, March 29, stated: “It’s good news that Ridvan Yilmaz could be back for the Old Firm game because the little man has nailed down the left back berth for himself ever since the winter break.”

He’s been a slow burner, which is normal for any young player getting used to life in a foreign nation, but he’s now a legitimate Rangers player, and I have no doubt that the manager will want him back in shape as soon as possible.

Is Ridvan Yilmaz among the first names on Rangers coach Philippe Clement’s roster?

The 22-year-old’s career at Ibrox has been somewhat unpredictable thus far, since he only made three starts in the Scottish Premiership in the 2022–2023 season.

Yilmaz believes like he has established himself in Clement’s starting lineup, at least while healthy, despite just having 15 league starts and seven substitute outings to his credit this season.

Yilmaz has become a vital member of the Rangers team, adding a great deal of threat to the team’s assault and providing a totally different output to club captain James Tavernier on the other wing.
Given his recent importance, it would have been devastating to watch him replaced 27 minutes into Turkey’s friendly against Hungary during the international break at Ibrox.

With the chance to play in the Old Firm Derby, it appears that the injury may not be as serious as initially believed. Yilmaz is going to be the chosen left-back starter, but Borna Barisic is a more than capable backup.

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