Rangers’ 3-0 victory over Aberdeen at Ibrox delivered plenty of talking points, not least the unlikely heroics of Clinton Nsiala. The young centre-half, making just his third Premiership start, showcased an impressive range of skills that extended well beyond his defensive duties. On a night when Rangers closed the gap to Celtic at the top of the table, Nsiala provided an unexpected attacking contribution that caught fans and analysts by surprise.

The pivotal moment came in the second half when Nsiala, better known for his ability to thwart opposition attacks, stepped up to deliver his first-ever senior assist. Collecting the ball in a crowded penalty area, the defender calmly shifted it onto his left foot and delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the danger zone. Leon Balogun, making a well-timed run, was on hand to guide the ball into the bottom corner, doubling Rangers’ lead. For a player who has spent much of his fledgling career focused on stopping goals, Nsiala’s composure and vision gave the impression of a natural winger rather than a centre-half.

The assist capped off an all-around excellent performance from the 20-year-old, who completed 91% of his passes on the night. At a club like Rangers, defenders must be as comfortable with the ball at their feet as they are in traditional defensive roles, given the team’s need to break down compact, deep-lying opponents. Nsiala is proving to be a valuable asset in that regard, and his left foot is quickly becoming a weapon for Philippe Clement’s side.

Balogun’s goal was his first of the season and only the third of his Rangers career, spanning 101 appearances across two spells. While not prolific, the veteran defender has a knack for popping up with crucial contributions at key moments, and his return from injury couldn’t have been better timed. With Robin Propper joining Rangers’ growing list of injured players, Balogun’s experience and leadership will be critical as the team navigates a congested fixture list.

Up front, Hamza Igamane continued his blistering form, scoring the opening goal in the early stages of the match. Capitalizing on a defensive mix-up and a fortunate deflection, Igamane showcased his trademark ruthlessness, calmly slotting the ball past the Aberdeen goalkeeper for his ninth goal in just 12 league starts. The striker’s clinical finishing has been a significant factor in Rangers’ recent run of results, and his ability to capitalize on defensive errors underscores why he is becoming one of the league’s most feared attackers.

Despite Rangers’ dominance, there were moments of concern as Aberdeen’s Kevin Nisbet and Leighton Clarkson caused occasional problems for the home side. Nisbet, in particular, missed a golden opportunity late in the first half that could have shifted the game’s momentum. However, Rangers maintained their composure and control, outshooting their opponents with ease.

The game was effectively sealed in stoppage time when substitute Cyriel Dessers added a third goal, ensuring Rangers finished the match in style. Dessers’ contribution highlighted the squad’s depth, as Clement was able to rotate players and still secure a comfortable win.

For Aberdeen, it was another disappointing outing in a season that has quickly unraveled. The Dons, who were considered potential title challengers earlier in the campaign, now find themselves in freefall with eight defeats in their last 12 games. Former Aberdeen defender Andy Considine didn’t hold back in his assessment, criticizing the team for their lack of energy and fight. “It’s disappointing to watch,” he said. “We lacked a lot of fight.”

Meanwhile, Rangers’ resurgence under Clement continues to gather pace. The manager praised Nsiala’s performance, particularly after his solid showing against Dundee just a week earlier. The young defender’s emergence as a reliable first-team option comes at a crucial time, with injuries depleting Rangers’ defensive ranks. Nsiala’s ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch is a testament to his development and a promising sign for the future.

With this win, Rangers closed the gap to Celtic at the top of the Premiership table, keeping the title race alive. For Clement and his players, performances like these—featuring contributions from unexpected sources—could make all the difference as they aim to wrestle the championship away from their Old Firm rivals.