AFTER a mammoth 65 games, Rangers’ unforgettable season has finally come to an end.

There was to be no Europa League fairytale as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men were cruelly pipped to the post by Eintracht Frankfurt in last week’s final in Seville. The Scottish Cup was added to the Ibrox Trophy Room after a 13-year wait while the league title was relinquished following a poor run of results post-Christmas.

But just how did the players perform over the course of the campaign? Well, it’s time for the final standings in the Rangers Review power rankings.

First, a wee explainer. Subscribers will already know that we produce detailed man-by-man match ratings for every game.

Appearances from the bench not long enough to warrant a match rating of more than a six are removed from the tallies. Where two players have finished level in rating, the tie-breaker gives the nod to the player who has played more often.

We’ve also omitted players who have played less than 10 games so the likes of Alex Lowry, Aaron Ramsey, Amad Diallo and James Sands are not included. However, it’s important to highlight just how well each of those players has performed.

Lowry, in particular, posted an average rating of 7.28 which is the highest recorded in the entire squad. This gives plenty of hope and encouragement heading into the 2022/23 campaign where he should make more of an impact on the first team.

Ramsey’s loan spell has largely been a frustrating one with injuries curtailing the number of matches he’s been able to play. His penalty miss in the Europa League final will haunt supporters for years to come but it’s important to note his performances in the matches he did feature were good. The Welshman posted an average score of 7.1 which is the second-highest behind Lowry.

Amad and Sands, meanwhile, posted average scores of 6.33 and 6.28 respectively.

Filip Helander has also been omitted despite featuring in the previous round due to the season-ending injury sustained against St Mirren.

Now, to the final standings.

18. Scott Arfield

Previous ranking: 18

The 33-year-old has had an indifferent season. He has made some vital contributions, notably the equalising goal in the Old Firm Scottish Cup semi-final win where he scored an eight in the player ratings. He acquired two more eight’s for his performance in the 5-0 demolition of Hearts at Ibrox and in the 3-1 win away to Livingston when he netted the opening goal. His penalty in the Europa League final was expertly struck but those moments aside, he has struggled for form in the main. He’s clearly thought highly of by the coaching staff given he was awarded a one-year contract extension and his character off the pitch is one that is a positive but Rangers need a little bit more from him heading into the new campaign.

Average rating: 6.18

17. Borna Barisic

Previous ranking: 19

It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for the Croatian. Many felt his horror show at Parkhead back in February may have been his last game in a Rangers jersey but he showed tremendous drive and belief to fight his way back into the side. His incredible performance against Braga at Ibrox was arguably his best in a blue shirt. He was one of a number of players who received a nine on a famous European night under the lights. He has shown a level of consistency since the last international break and Rangers will be hoping he can continue in that vein going forward, if he isn’t moved on in the summer.

Average rating: 6.19

16. Leon Balogun

Previous ranking: 16

The Nigerian, like many others, has had a mixed bag of a season. He missed a chunk of the season through injury but has generally been consistent when called upon. His two most impressive showings came against Celtic at Ibrox back in August when he had to play at right-back following a Covid outbreak and in the home leg against Red Star Belgrade when he bulleted a header home in a 3-0 win. He is one of a number of players out of contract but his experience and off the field influence may be important to have around next season.

Average rating: 6.21

15. Jon McLaughlin

Previous ranking: 17

The Scotland international has proven to be a trusted and dependable understudy to Allan McGregor and should have the chance to take over the No.1 position next season. His ability to command his area and his sound distribution make him a solid choice to replace McGregor.

Rangers Review:

If we look at the shots he faced in the Premiership, he saved 63%. McGregor, in comparison, saved 68% of efforts that came his way in the league. His most impressive performance came in the 1-1 draw away to Lyon in the Europa League.

READ MORE: 'The Rangers Story': Jock Wallace's pre-season, playing at Glasgow Green and 'adoring' Bill Struth

Average rating: 6.31

14. Allan McGregor

Previous ranking: 15

His late-substitute appearance against Hearts in the Scottish Cup final looks like his last as a professional footballer but what a career it has been for the 40-year-old. It’s fair to say he’s not had his best of seasons. Mistakes made against Hearts, Ross County and Motherwell proved costly in the title race but there were typical heroic moments also.

His double save against Sparta Prague as well as his performances in the home leg against Dortmund and both legs against Red Star were huge as Rangers progressed all the way to the final in Seville.

Average rating: 6.42

13. Steven Davis

Previous ranking: 12

The Northern Ireland skipper is out of contract and it remains to be seen if he has a future at Ibrox. In terms of his season, he was his usual reliant self for the most part when called upon. His two most impressive displays came in the 1-0 win over Celtic at Ibrox and the 6-1 mauling of Motherwell at Fir Park. In the Premiership alone, he made 890 passes and boasted an 88% success rate.

Rangers Review:

As we can see in the graphic above, he clearly still has something to give on the pitch and coupled with his vast experience off it, it may make sense to keep him around for one more season.

Average rating: 6.5

12. Glen Kamara

Previous ranking: 8

The Finn’s form has been inconsistent to say the least. He posted five ratings of eight including the Europa League final where he was one of few players to really step up and perform to the best of their ability on the big stage. His stand out performance was the semi-final home leg against RB Leipzig when he scored a sublime goal and posted a rating of nine as Rangers overcame the Germans to reach the final.

There have been many poor displays too however where he has looked completely shot of confidence. Like many others, it feels like his time at Ibrox may come to an end this summer.

Average rating: 6.56

11. Scott Wright

Previous ranking: 11

The 24-year-old is joint 11th alongside Fashion Sakala. The pair have the exact same average rating of 6.59 having played the same number of matches. Their seasons have been broadly similar also. Wright kicked off the season in spectacular fashion when he scored a beauty of a goal in the opening day win over Livingston. Impressive displays against Dunfermline and Alashkert followed, the latter of which resulted in former boss Steven Gerrard describing his performance as “superhuman”. However, his form dipped soon afterwards and he struggled to impose himself on the first team.

Rangers Review:

He fought his way back with eye-catching displays against Motherwell and RB Leipzig at home and he capped off his season with a Europa League final appearance and a goal in the Scottish Cup final win over Hearts.

Average rating: 6.59

11. Fashion Sakala

Previous ranking: 7

The Zambian has been somewhat of an enigma in his debut season at Ibrox. His scoring record is actually pretty decent in terms of minutes on the park and he comes second to Alfredo Morelos for scoring contributions at 0.68 compared to the Colombian at 0.73. His best performance came at Fir Park when he notched a hat-trick in a 6-1 win while there have also been match ratings of eight posted. There is no doubt he has bags of talent but his decision making needs to improve massively. His goal at Parkhead was a season highlight as well as his role in the winning goal that saw Rangers beat their arch-rivals at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Average rating: 6.59

9. John Lundstram

Previous ranking: 13

The ‘Best on Earth’ as he’s now addressed by Rangers fans has enjoyed the biggest turnaround since Mark Hateley. He was the marquee signing from Sheffield United last summer but with his game-time limited it looked like the Scouser may have been heading out the door in January. Van Bronckhorst afforded him an opportunity in the 5-0 win over Hearts at Ibrox in February and he’s never looked back, so much so, that he’s one of the first names on the team sheet. His performances at Ibrox in the wins over Braga and RB Leipzig will live long in the memory, he scored a nine in both. But his goal against Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion was one of the greatest the club have ever scored on the continent.

Rightly named Goal of the Season, it was struck with precision and accuracy by a player who has learned what it means to represent this unique club.

Average rating: 6.6

8. Kemar Roofe

Previous ranking: 14

It’s been a largely frustrating season for the Jamaican international with injuries, once again, curtailing the number of minutes he’s been able to play. With the injury sustained by Morelos, the reliance on Roofe to step in was immense and he delivered with a hat-trick against St Mirren and the winning goal against Braga when he posted back-to-back ratings of nine.

He followed that up with a brilliant centre forward display in the semi-final win over Celtic but this was to come at a cost with an injury, more or less, ruling him out of the season. He did come on in the Europa League final and rifled home a penalty but you wonder if the outcome of said final may have been different if the former Leeds United man was fit enough to play more of a part in the game.

Average rating: 6.61

7. Connor Goldson

Previous ranking: 10

With the likelihood he will depart Ibrox, Rangers have huge shoes to fill when he does head for pastures new. Despite his contract being allowed to run down, he has been an ever-present once again, putting in colossal performances against the likes of Dortmund away, Braga and RB Leipzig at Ibrox and the Scottish Cup semi-final win.

Rangers Review:

He has been Mr Consistent, particularly from April onwards when he regularly posted sevens and eights in the match ratings. He played more games than anyone with 61 appearances to his name.

Average rating: 6.62

6. Joe Aribo

Previous ranking: 6

One of the players who are likely to be moved on in the summer given his contract is up the following year. Prior to jetting off with Nigeria to the African Cup of Nations, Aribo was imperious and the best player in Scotland by a country mile. However, on his return, he looked jaded and in dire need of a rest. Given his supreme talent and lack of personnel available, he had to be utilised more often than not. His best performance, like many others, came in the win over Braga at Ibrox when he scored a nine while his goal in the Europa League final will be one he will cherish for some time.

Average rating: 6.64

5. Alfredo Morelos

Previous ranking: 2

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Had it not been for the thigh injury that ruled El Buffalo out for the season, it’s likely Morelos would’ve topped the charts and would, undoubtedly, have given Rangers a greater chance of becoming champions of Europe as well as retaining the league title. Prior to his injury, he was in sparkling form.

Rangers Review:

He recorded two nine ratings in both legs against Dortmund with Mats Hummels likely still having nightmares given the roasting the Colombian gave him. He is another player whose contract runs out in the summer of 2023 so it remains to be seen if he will sign a new deal or look to be moved on.

Average rating: 6.78

4. James Tavernier

Previous ranking: 5

The skipper was on the cusp of immortality last Wednesday but despite not triumphing against Frankfurt, his performances should still be cause for celebration. To finish as the top goalscorer in the competition with seven goals is, quite frankly, ridiculous.

His goals were pivotal to Rangers’ run to the final and he also stepped up and converted his spot-kick in the shootout. Domestically, to boast nine goals and 13 assists in 35 league games is remarkable and is a testament to his professionalism and drive to consistently perform and contribute at the opposite end of the pitch. He posted three nines in the matches against Dortmund, Braga and Leipzig at Ibrox and was deservedly named in the Europa League Team of the Season alongside Ryan Kent and Calvin Bassey.

Average rating: 6.82

3. Ryan Kent

Previous ranking: 3

It’s been a peculiar season for Kent. Domestically he’s been way off what he, himself, would want to be in terms of numbers. However, in Europe, he has been sensational. So much so, that comparisons have been made with Franck Ribery by former Manchester United and Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves. As the song goes, Kent tore apart Dortmund, Braga and Leipzig where he posted three nines and his goal away in Belgrade against Red Star was crucial as the Light Blues progressed. In the league though, two goals from 66 attempts is nowhere near good enough and this drop off in numbers is one of the reasons Rangers relinquished the league title. Like many others, it remains to be seen if Kent will be at Ibrox next season given his contract is up the following summer.

Average rating: 6.84

2. Ryan Jack

Previous ranking: 1

The heartbeat of this Rangers side and someone who was badly missed when he was out with a long term injury. His return, in the second half against Celtic, was a welcome one and he formed a formidable partnership with John Lundstram in the engine room.

He topped off the campaign with a wonder goal against Hearts in the Scottish Cup final and Rangers will hope he can steer clear of injury next season because he is vitally important. His only off-colour performance since returning to the side was the first leg of the quarter-final tie with Braga when he posted a five. That aside, he’s been dependable and a pivotal cog in the van Bronckhorst system.

Average rating: 6.88

1. Calvin Bassey

Previous ranking: 4

Where do we start with Calvin Bassey? In what is his first proper season playing consistently in senior football, he’s been a revelation. He began by filling in for Borna Barisic at left-back when the Croatian was suffering a confidence crisis but he has since matured into an outstanding centre back. The coaching staff deserve great credit for believing in the 22-year-old Nigerian international but also for honing his game and developing him into a player that has the biggest clubs in Europe sitting up and taking notice. He started the season like a train, posting a nine in the League Cup win over Dunfermline then an eight in the following game with Alashkert. It wasn’t until van Bronckhorst was appointed, though, that his game came on massively. Albeit there were a few ropey displays in there, the 3-0 defeat to Celtic and 3-3 draw with Ross County were learning curves. But, in the main, he’s been truly magnificent.

To be named Man of the Match in a Europa League final tells you just how good this boy is and, what’s more exciting, is the potential he has to improve even more. Rangers will be doing very well if they can keep a hold of him for next season. A deserving winner of Rangers Review Player of the Season.

Average rating: 6.95