Rangers have made it to the Europa League’s final 16
When Ryan Kent was left on the bench for Rangers’ away leg against Royal Antwerp in the Europa League round of 32, few could have predicted the impact he would have on the tie.
The 24-year-old, who joined Rangers from Liverpool for £7m in 2019, scored in both legs as Steven Gerrard’s men secured a 9-5 aggregate victory.
Kent’s goal in the second leg was the standout moment of the tie, and along with Alfredo Morelos and Ianis Hagi he has provided the Ibrox side with real attacking threat in recent weeks.
Having been linked with a move to Leeds by the Sun in August 2020, Kent’s stock will continue to rise if he maintains his current form in Europe, and he will have another platform next week when Rangers take on Slavia Prague in the last 16.
Ibrox legend Brian Laudrup has warned that the Czech side are no mugs, but believes Kent is capable of making the difference.
Writing in his column on page 93 of Tuesday’s Scottish Daily Mail, the Dane said: “Rangers did extremely well to reach the last 16 last season, but this now a squad better in terms of quality, depth, experience and self-confidence.
“It has been a huge transformation.
“They don’t have a league match between the two legs against Slavia, which is a help. If Rangers can use all the momentum they have built and avoid injuries, you could see them getting to the quarter-final or even semi-final stage.
“It’s got the potential to be something unforgettable.
“No-one is suggesting Slavia will be easy. It won’t be at all. But it’s obviously better than facing AC Milan or Manchester United.
“I covered Slavia’s win over Leicester City for Danish television last week. There’s actually quite a lot of interest in them over here because a young Danish international player, Alexander Bah, has moved out to Prague.
“They have a good unit that will press high and run hard. Defensively, they are sound. Leicester barely managed to create a couple of chances against them as they were denied the space to use their counter-attacking prowess.
“But I think Rangers have different qualities – players who can take people on and create. Look at how Ryan Kent played against Antwerp, for one example.
“I still see Gerrard’s team as slight favourites. Maybe 60-40. That’s all.”
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