- Frankfurt beat Rangers in penalties to claim this season’s Europa League title on Wednesday night, with Rafael Borre scoring a crucial goal
- He is already drawing attention for his active and high-intensity attacking style despite joining River Plate only last summer
- Joe Aribo scored the first goal for Rangers in the Europa league’s final match on Wednesday night
The rangers were defeated on penalties in their fifth European final by Eintracht Frankfurt in an exciting Europa League decider.
Rafael Borre scored the game-winning penalty after Aaron Ramsey was rejected moments earlier in front of a raucous Rangers crowd at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Those fans had been ecstatic when the Scots took the lead in Seville, thanks to Joe Aribo’s ice-cold second-half finish.
On the other hand, Borre set off raucous scenes in a packed Eintracht end 12 minutes later when he steered in a soft equalizer to send this energy-sapping match to extra time and penalties.
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Joe Aribo- Rangers
Joe Aribo the Rangers Wing Wizard. Photo: Getty Images
Just after arriving in Glasgow ahead of the 2019/20 season, Aribo presented a resourceful balance in Gerrard’s hardworking side.
Gerrard primarily used Van Bronckhorst out wide as Rangers won the Premier League last season with seven goals and four assists, but Van Bronckhorst has sought to modify his role in 2021/22.
His speed in vast areas is also used to break down low block defences, and his goal and assist totals have increased; as a result, this season.
Martin Hinteregger- Frankfurt
Martin Hinteregger. Photo: Premier League
Hinteregger, who sustained a hamstring injury in the semifinal against West Ham, was sorely missed at centre back in the Europa League final.
He had been a constant in Glaser’s back three this season, with the Austrian defender demonstrating absolute adaptability in the transition from a four-person defence.
His organization and leadership were crucial in Eintracht’s run to the final, allowing the midfielders to assert themselves high up the field.
Hinteregger, a throwback central defender with solid numbers for tackles won and clearances, do not get as much attention as his teammates.
However, his ability to switch between defensive systems makes him an appealing option if Eintracht fails to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Rafael Borre- Frankfurt
Rafael Borre scored two goal in the final Europa League match against rangers, his last penalty goal saw Frankfurt win the title. Photo: Goal.com
Kostic’s goals and assists have made him Eintracht’s standout player, but Borre’s contribution in the Europa League has been crucial to their run to the final.
A goal against Barcelona in the quarterfinals, another goal and an assist at home and away against West Ham in the final four have energized his debut season.
He scored the crucial award-winning goal to claim the Europa League title Wednesday night.
The Colombian forward is already drawing attention for his active and high-intensity attacking style despite joining River Plate only last summer.
His ability to play a high line and score essential goals reflects the desire of major European clubs for forwards who can fit into established systems and provide consistent output.
James Tavernier-Rangers
Rangers Captain James Tavernier Photo: Eurosport
Tavernier spent seven stints soaking in and out of the English second and third tiers after youth team stints with Leeds United and Newcastle before finally making a move to Ibrox in 2015.
However, when Steve Gerrard arrived at rangers ahead of the 2018/19 season, he altered his role, with the former Liverpool star naming him club captain.
Gerrard had 14 league goals and 16 assists in his first season as part of a fantastic transformation from a strong right back to a powerful attacking weapon.
The increased freedom under Gerrard opened a new level in his game, with self-assured leadership, penalties, and the ability to keep delivering crosses into the box, as he managed to score 19 league goals in their title-winning season in 2020/21.
After turning 30 this season, he is at a crossroads, and while he may be tempted to take one more shot at the English Premier League, he could be a good fit for a team looking for a dynamic full-back.
Filip Kostic- Frankfurt
Filip Kostic has the most assists in the Bundesliga this season. Photo: MARCA
Under Oliver Glasner, Kostic has risen from the ranks of the solid operator’ to become one of Europe’s most effective wide players.
No player has recorded more Bundesliga assists than Kostic since the start of 2021, with 24 setups for his Eintracht squad.
Glen Kamara- Rangers
Glen Kamara. Photo: Skysports
On his way to Ibrox in 2019, Finland international Kamara took a similar hunter-gatherers path to Tavernier.
After impressing with Dundee, Gerrard chose to bring forth the club’s move for him in the January transfer window.
After breaking into Gerrard’s starting Lineup in 2019, he played a critical part in the Rangers’ title win last season, making 33 season starts from 38 in central midfield.
Despite signing a four-year contract extension at the start of the 2021/22 season, Kamara has been linked with a move away from Ibrox if an opportunity comes in.
His stability as a midfield pulse may pique the interest of his former club, Arsenal.
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