Giovanni van Bronckhorst has heaped praise on Rangers duo Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier for their performances at Ibrox on Thursday night, as Rangers knocked Borussia Dortmund out of the Europa League.
Having secured a stunning 4-2 lead from the first leg at the WestFalenStadion last week, Rangers simply had to avoid losing by more than one goal to proceed. At Ibrox, they secured a 2-2 draw, to win 6-4.
Tavernier scored both goals from right-back – taking his tally to a huge 10 goals for the season, clocking up 75 for the Gers. A stunning performance that many have deemed one of the biggest results in Scottish history.
Morelos was superb up front, and was unlucky not to get an assist when Ryan Kent’s goal was ruled out for a foul on Emre Can. But Tavernier was on hand to score twice – a penalty, and a superb strike from eight yards.
Speaking after the match, van Bronckhorst could not hide his delight at his Rangers superstars as they booked their place in the last 16 of the Europa League – despite coming up against one of the tournament favourites.
On Morelos, van Bronckhorst said, as per BBC Live’s coverage of the historic night at Ibrox: “Morelos was much more stronger in the second half and we had many more dangerous moments.”
He continued, on Tavernier: “Tavernier’s numbers are definitely better than mine at left back! You want your full-backs to push up at the right time and he did that very well.”
Van Bronckhorst on Tavernier and Morelos: Rangers duo on fire
While Kent was arguably Rangers’ best player on the night, Morelos and Tavernier were not far behind. Of course, Rangers have had to be at their best to beat Dortmund – but the trio were absolutely superb.
In what was the biggest night of their careers, other than winning 55 perhaps, Tavernier was incredible on the right and showed he can play as a wing-back in a back five. Morelos was Morelos, a bully, but a great one.
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