The current Rangers squad, under Philippe Clement, undeniably evokes memories of the iconic 2021-22 season when Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team reached heights many believed were beyond them. The comparison between these two sides—though not identical in personnel—is hard to ignore, and it’s a testament to the spirit and resilience that both squads have embodied. With similarities in style, tactical issues, and player profiles, there is a deep connection between the two, despite the differences in managerial approach.
Much like the 2021-22 squad, Rangers today still rely on a talismanic striker who can be both an asset and a frustration. Alfredo Morelos in 2022 was the epitome of this paradox. The Colombian forward’s ability to score crucial goals and put defenders on edge made him an indispensable part of that European run. His physicality and technical skill often made him a game-changer, but his temperament and inconsistency were also a point of contention. Morelos played a massive role in Rangers’ Europa League campaign, especially during the 4-2 win over Borussia Dortmund, where his physical dominance and sharp finishing were on full display. While Morelos is no longer at Ibrox, the current team continues to rely on similar strikers, with Antonio Colak and others being tasked with stepping into that central role. Like Morelos, they can be pivotal, but at times, they too have struggled with consistency.
The importance of wingers like Ryan Kent cannot be overstated either. In 2022, Kent was at his peak, and his performance against Borussia Dortmund was one of the best of his Rangers career. His ability to take on defenders and deliver in big moments was on full display, especially in the Europa League tie. Kent’s ability to leave opponents trailing in his wake and deliver key assists made him the standout player in some of Rangers’ most significant European nights. Fast-forward to today, Kent is still one of Rangers’ most gifted attacking players, yet his form has been a rollercoaster. His performances have lacked the consistency he showed in 2022, but the expectation remains that Kent can step up when it matters most, just as he did during that legendary night in Dortmund.
However, while Rangers have had attacking players capable of creating moments of magic, they have also had their defensive struggles, something that has remained a constant through the years. During the 2021-22 season, Rangers had a solid defense capable of shutting down the opposition, but there was always the lingering vulnerability that they could concede a soft goal at any moment. This frailty was laid bare on multiple occasions, even in their European triumphs, when costly mistakes crept into otherwise excellent performances. Today, under Clement, that vulnerability persists. Rangers have been a strong defensive unit in certain matches, but they are still susceptible to cheap goals, especially in domestic matches. This is an issue that needs to be addressed if they are to have any hope of replicating their European success.
In Europe, however, the defensive issues seem to be less of a problem for Rangers, at least in the early stages of their Europa League campaigns. Their remarkable 4-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in February 2022 is perhaps one of the greatest moments in recent Rangers history. Dortmund was a team loaded with talent, and although Erling Haaland was absent due to injury, the German side still boasted players like Jude Bellingham, who would go on to become one of the world’s best. Despite these obstacles, Rangers turned in a performance for the ages. From the opening whistle, Rangers were fearless. Kent, as previously mentioned, was a standout, terrorizing Dortmund’s defense, and Morelos was in his element, bullying Mats Hummels and causing havoc throughout the match. Even at 36 years old, Hummels looked every bit his age when dealing with Morelos, a testament to the Colombian’s strength and clinical nature.
The attacking play on display that night, combined with disciplined defense, led to one of the most iconic away performances in Rangers’ storied European history. The game saw Rangers take a commanding 4-1 lead before ultimately finishing with a 4-2 scoreline, a result that sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Dortmund was left bewildered, while Rangers’ players were basking in the glory of an unforgettable night in Germany. That performance remains a benchmark for what the team is capable of on the European stage when everything clicks. For Rangers fans, it is a symbol of what the squad is capable of achieving again if they can hit those heights.
Fast forward to today, and the dream of repeating such feats is still very much alive. As Rangers prepare for the knockout rounds of the 2024 Europa League, the challenge now is whether they can replicate the kind of magical performances they produced in 2022. On February 21, they will find out who their opponents will be in the Round of 16. At present, teams like Fenerbahce, who have been dominant in their group, and Twente, who have a slender advantage over Bodo/Glimt, are among the most likely challengers. These are not easy teams to face, but they do present Rangers with an opportunity to progress deeper into the competition, should they rise to the occasion.
If they are able to navigate past these sides, tougher opponents await. The potential for a quarter-final clash with European heavyweights such as Porto, Roma, Lazio, or Athletic Club would be a massive test. These are teams with a wealth of experience in European competitions, and Rangers will need to be at their absolute best to progress. The fact that Rangers will avoid the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Eintracht Frankfurt until the semi-finals is a small consolation, but it also provides a route to potentially making another deep European run. Rangers’ ability to handle the pressures of European competition, particularly against teams that set up defensively, will be crucial. If Clement can find the right balance in terms of tactics, Rangers could well find themselves making another European final, just as they did in 2022.
The expectation around Ibrox is high, but there is a growing sense of belief that Rangers can replicate the success of the 2021-22 season. For Philippe Clement, it’s a case of finding the right formula to get the best out of his squad, particularly in Europe. The similarities between the current team and the one that defied expectations in 2022 are clear. Whether or not Rangers can reach those same heights again depends on the players’ ability to step up when it matters, especially in high-stakes European encounters. With a bit of luck, resilience, and consistency, there’s every chance that Rangers could yet go on another deep run in Europe and make their mark once more on the continent.
As the Europa League progresses, the hope is that this current Rangers team can summon the courage, passion, and quality that made their 2022 European adventure so memorable. For the fans, it’s all about believing that their team can once again reach the pinnacle of European football and create more unforgettable moments in the process. Just as Borussia Dortmund were left stunned three years ago, perhaps there is another major European scalp waiting to be taken in 2024. The road ahead may be tough, but for Rangers, the dream of European glory is far from over.