‘We’ve had a lesson’: Willem II captain pays tribute to Kent-inspired Rangers

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A Ryan Kent-inspired Rangers side taught Willem II a ‘lesson in effectiveness’ during Thursday’s 4-0 Europa League qualification victory in the Netherlands, captain Jordens Peters admitted to Fox Sports.

It seems a rather strange statement given the lopsided nature of the scoreline, but a clash between the Scottish Premiership runners-up and one of the form teams of Dutch football really could have gone either way on the night.

While Willem II missed their chances at one end, thanks in part to a fine Allan McGregor display in goal, Rangers were ruthless at the other, aided by some truly dreadful defending from the hosts.

The effervescent Kent tormented Adrie Koster’s side throughout, winning a penalty for James Tavernier to score his 50th career goal before reacting brilliantly to tap home a rebound after Robbin Ruiter had spilled an Alfredo Morelos daisycutter.

Kent then set up Filip Helander for Rangers third while a thumping Conor Goldson header put the gloss on a scoreline which, although hugely impressive on paper, flattered the visitors somewhat.

“We’ve had a lesson in effectiveness. We could even have won,” says skipper Peters.

“But the tricky part is: if you lose 0-4, what right of speech do you have? Ultimately, it’s about winning. Football is also about stability, making no mistakes, being solid and effective.

“It was not a reflection of the game, but the result does not matter much. You’re out. Individual mistakes killed us. It is a hard learning experience. It’s a shame you’re out when you create so much.”

Rangers, McGregor in particular, deserve plenty of credit for keeping Willem II of the scoresheet.

In Vangelis Pavlidis, the Tilburgers have one of the hottest forwards in Holland leading the line while playmaker Mike Tresor Ndayishimiye has caught the eye of Premier League clubs of late.