As the excitement for the new Champions League season builds, Rangers fans are hit with a surprising twist. Philippe Clement, the club’s manager, has unveiled his 22-man squad for the third-round qualifier against Dynamo Kyiv, and it includes some unexpected omissions and inclusions.
Shock Omissions and Surprising Inclusions
Rangers’ newest recruit, Robin Propper, narrowly made the cut, despite some last-minute paperwork issues. The former FC Twente captain joins the squad alongside Czech winger Vaclav Cerny. However, the most surprising inclusion is £1.7m Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane, who has barely been seen in action since his arrival this summer.
On the flip side, wantaway midfielder Todd Cantwell, who recently handed in a transfer request, has been excluded from the European roster. Clement has left the door open for Cantwell to change his mind, but for now, he is out of the squad.
Midfield and Goalkeeping Choices
The midfield sees only four players named, with Nicolas Raskin sidelined due to injury and Clinton Nsiala not meeting the B list criteria. Notably absent is Ianis Hagi. Goalkeeper Lewis Budinauckas, who impressed during pre-season, will be a part of the squad traveling to Poland for the match against Dynamo Kyiv.
Strategic Implications
Rangers face a tough challenge against Dynamo Kyiv, who recently demolished FK Partizan with a 9-2 aggregate win. The stakes are high, with a potential £4 million windfall if Rangers advance to the play-off round. Clement can make unlimited changes to the squad for the next round, but for now, he has had to make some strategic decisions.
Homegrown Talent and UEFA Rules
UEFA guidelines require that eight slots in the squad be reserved for homegrown talent. This rule influences squad selection, and any new signings can be added up until the day before the match.
Rangers Squad to Face Dynamo Kyiv
Goalkeepers:
- Jack Butland
- Liam Kelly
- Lewis Budinauckas
Defenders:
- James Tavernier
- Ridvan Yilmaz
- Robin Propper
- John Souttar
- Dujon Sterling
- Jefte
- Ben Davies
- Leon Balogun
Midfielders:
- Oscar Cortes
- Connor Barron
- Mohamed Diomande
- Kieran Dowell
Forwards:
- Cyriel Dessers
- Tom Lawrence
- Rabbi Matondo
- Vaclav Cerny
- Scott Wright
- Hamza Igamane
- Danilo
Conclusion
Rangers’ Champions League journey is off to an intriguing start with these squad decisions. Fans will be eager to see how these choices play out on the field against Dynamo Kyiv. The squad selection highlights the balance between integrating new talent and adhering to UEFA regulations, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter.
Stay tuned for more updates as Rangers aim to make a significant impact in this year’s Champions League campaign.
Source: GlasgowWorld
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