Why Ridvan Yilmaz's Rangers suitability is shown by Rabbi Matondo's block-breaking runs

The left-back fits the profile of player Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Ross Wilson have recruited this summer and offers a dynamic option at full-back. Beyond the potential he boasts, Yilmaz's attributes appear well-suited to the style of play being implemented at Ibrox. 

As detailed in Craig Vickers’ scouting report on the Turkish defender, Yilmaz is not a byline-hitting, cross-heavy full-back, known specifically for his deliveries. His profile differs from Borna Barisic in this respect. Instead, he’s a creative passer, ranking above the 90th percentile for both Smart Passes – defined as a penetrative pass that breaks the opposition’s defensive lines – and Through Passes per 90 minutes in the Turkish top-flight last season.

How is this relevant to Rangers? Van Bronckhorst doesn’t use his full-backs like Steven Gerrard, who fielded James Tavernier and Barisic as the widest players in attack, often more advanced than the midfield. 

Although van Bronckhorst continues to use his full-backs offensively, their role has been altered. Full-back's involvement in the half-space increased last season to facilitate wide wingers and, particularly in Tavernier’s case, utilise the captain's creative skillset closer to goal.

This pre-season has shown both full-backs and wingers given freedom to move into wide and inside channels, according to their teammate’s movement.

For example, Barisic was seen to both underlap...

...And overlap on Tuesday night.

Tom Lawrence’s opener against West Ham was a brilliantly worked team goal, that shows one of the reasons Yilmaz is well-suited to van Bronckhorst's requirements. 

Tavernier, a full-back, is wide on one touchline and Ryan Kent, a winger, the other, with Barisic tucked infield. The visitors remain compact, showing Connor Goldson’s pass out wide.

Tavernier is able to quickly work the ball out of his feet to play a perfectly-weighted ball for Matondo in behind. The captain’s power allows him to come inside or go outside his man, meaning he isn’t an easy pressing trigger for opponents to force a turnover.

It’s important to highlight Matondo’s run here. Because he has started from the half-space unmarked, the 21-year-old can make his movement in Aaron Cresswell’s blindspot.

This vertical run from the half-space is so difficult to track, given Cresswell is unsighted.

He also possesses the composure to pick out Lawrence, rather than thrash at a cross.

The move demonstrates how Matondo can use his pace over short distances to unlock a well-structured defence. But it was only possible because of Tavernier's ability to create and play a pass that was difficult to defend.

How does this relate to Yilmaz? As the Rangers Review wrote yesterday, the Turkish international excels when pinned to the touchline: “The touchline can often act as a barrier for most full-backs when they receive the ball – essentially an extra defender for the opposition – yet Yilmaz uses it to his advantage. He can count on supreme technical ability and body orientation.”

Often, the youngster assumes a similar touchline-hugging role to the position Tavernier occupies in the above example.

Given his technical capabilities, he can be a creative force in these areas. Capable of evading pressure and finding runners beyond the opposition defence. 

Yilmaz is well-suited van Bronckhorst’s demands. The Dutchman rarely wants his full-backs hit the byline and as shown by Tavernier's pass into Matondo, has used them in this touchline-hugging role during pre-season. To stretch the opposition and tuck a quick, dangerous winger infield.