Earlier this summer it looked like Rabbi Matondo didn't have a Rangers future but now, debate centres around whether he deserves to start against PSV next week. 

Football is an incredibly fickle business and the perception of a player can change in a moment. While it can be easy to get carried away in this sport, Matondo capped a scintillating counter-attack with a brilliant, composed finish to spark euphoric scenes under the lights on a European night against PSV this week - announcing himself as a Rangers player in the process. 

Could it catalyse a revival for the 22-year-old who endured such a difficult first season in Scotland?

Matondo’s redemption arc is accelerating upward after three promising performances and the future appears bright. The Welshman experienced a hugely underwhelming debut season following his arrival from Schalke last summer. An injury-disrupted season resulted in 28 appearances with five assists and zero goals. 

Michael Beale suggested Matondo was suffering from a "crisis of confidence" late last year but he now appears in a better headspace. The former Manchester City prospect struggled with a recurring knee injury during his debut campaign and it can also be difficult for players, especially youngsters, to adapt to the demands at Rangers. 

As detailed by Jack Butland post-match, Matondo is a vibrant and affable character and his infectious personality has injected impetus into Rangers recently. While Ianis Hagi believes he has nothing to prove, Matondo - who replaced the Romanian in the European squad for the PSV tie - has adopted a contrasting attitude and he’s been determined to show Beale that he deserves to play more regularly. 

“It’s down to me to be fit and to do everything in my power to convince the manager that I should be playing,” he said last week. “The manager has been honest and open. We have a good relationship and it’s down to me to take my opportunities. 

“The more opportunities that I take, the more game time I’ll get. know that I’ve not reached the levels I can reach or that people expected me to reach, but that’s football. I’m not stressed and I’m not panicking because I know how good I can be. I did alright last week so it’s about building from that and showing people what I’m about.”

READ MORE: The key moments that give Rangers optimism ahead of PSV return

Matondo exuded the self-confidence that he lacked last season when he faced the media on Friday, but he also expressed humility, accepting that he needs to improve. 

His first goal for the club to earn a lead against PSV highlighted why so many clubs have spent money on potential to date as Matondo finished off a devastating transition through the pitch.

Todd Cantwell’s blend of aggression and skill started the move before Cyriel Dessers’ perfectly weighted assist led to an excellent first-time finish - Matondo's strike was a 0.21xG chance that ended up with a 0.55 PSxG rating. 

It was the attacker's desire, combined with electrifying pace, that allowed him to be in a position to convert. When Cantwell evaded two PSV defenders, Matondo was 15 yards behind Jordan Teze. The Dutch defender is no slouch but Matondo raced past him to reach Dessers’ pass.

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Peter Bosz’s attacking philosophy leaves space on the counter and Matondo’s pace, and determination, exploited that perfectly. It’s imperative that he improves his final product and contributes more goals and assists, but the signs across recent weeks are promising. 

Matondo has accumulated an xG of 0.85 across 111 minutes in his last two appearances against Greenock Morton and PSV. That total is significantly higher than the 0.51xG that was recorded across 415 minutes in his previous 10 appearances.

The Welsh international has provided more of a goal threat recently and that aligns with the area of his game in which Beale has demanded an improvement. The manager's spoken previously about potentially recruiting a 'Ryan Kent replacement' before the window shuts. While Rangers would arguably still benefit from a player in this area, Matondo's place in the squad will only be heightened by his impact in midweek.

“When I came in, Rabbi had a knee issue that was long-standing. But in every game, he’s played for Rangers, there’s been moments for him to score and assist. It all comes down to his final pass or shot. He’s aware of that," the manager said on Tuesday evening.

“He came back for pre-season in great condition and has had a real go. I’m pleased for him. In his last two or three performances, he’s done really well. He gives us something we don’t have. I just felt the spaces in this game were made for Rabbi and that’s why he came on. He rewarded himself with a goal.”

Rangers have lacked a player to really commit players and eat up ground in transition, attacking opponents directly and offering a varied threat. In his last two appearances Matondo has attempted 20 dribbles - double the amount attempted in his previous five games. 

His introduction alongside Abdallah Sima on 71 minutes against Livingston drastically improved Rangers’ attacking output. As the game's trendline below demonstrates, Rangers' had created 1.3xG when Matondo entered the fray and almost doubled that total 20 minutes later. 

There’s just over a week left in the transfer market and while another arrival remains on the horizon, Beale could've discovered an in-house answer over these past few weeks.

The key for Matondo remains consistency. He's finally shown Ibrox what all the fuss was about, the task is now to repeat the trick again and again.