Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz did not disappoint in his first start in an Old Firm derby at the weekend.
The Turkish international has struggled to make an impact in his first season at Ibrox but he put in a standout performance as the Light Blues brushed aside Celtic.
While fans on Twitter still believe Yilmaz has areas of his game that he needs to improve, they were very impressed with what they saw from the defender on Saturday afternoon:
Thought he was excellent
— bobby t (@ja42413076) May 13, 2023
Defensively he was great, final ball needs some work.
— Mick Van Warburton (@Vanbonkhorst) May 13, 2023
Top top player.
— Michael Beale OUT (@sykseybear) May 13, 2023
His determination to join the attack and burst on the overlap was great to see
— talkPISH (@Good1Aye) May 13, 2023
Full pre season and working on his delivery we have a player
— Barry Paton (@barrypaton21) May 13, 2023
Agreed get behind him. He’s class
— MartinMacdonald🇬🇧 (@martinmac26) May 13, 2023
likes a tackle which I didn’t expect
— 🙃 (@michaelblack___) May 13, 2023
You have to work to get by him. Not as many crosses coming in from the left as normal. Final ball needs work but what a game he had yesterday. Good base to build on.
— Graham (@skelf73) May 14, 2023
It hasn’t been easy for the 21-year-old since making the move from Besiktas last summer. A hamstring injury meant he missed the best part of four months and, when he has been fit, the fullback has had to play second fiddle to Borna Barisic.
Based on his display against Celtic, though, Yilmaz may soon move ahead of the Croatian in the pecking order. He is still a rough diamond. Whilst he was excellent defensively, his crossing left a lot to be desired but there is now cause for optimism that he can establish himself as a regular starter.