Max Aarons reacts as Nasser Djiga shares Rangers debut message
Max Aarons and Nasser Djiga both shone on their Rangers debuts as Russell Martin’s men beat Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifier on Tuesday.
The Bears’ 2-0 victory at Ibrox on 22 July came thanks to goals from summer signing Djeidi Gassama and young talent Findlay Curtis, either side of George Vagiannidis’ red card for the visitors.
Rangers have built a healthy lead ahead of their away leg in Greece on Wednesday, 30 July, while Martin enjoyed a winning start in the dugout.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Premiership title hopefuls face Middlesbrough in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday, 26 July.
Aarons reacts as Djiga celebrates victory on debut for Rangers
Defensive duo Aarons and Djiga made a positive start to life in Rangers colours by helping the Ibrox giants maintain a clean sheet against Panathinaikos.
Meanwhile, after playing his part in the Light Blues’ victory, Djiga took to Instagram [23 July] to share: “What a pleasure to make my debut at Ibrox Stadium. What an incredible atmosphere!”
Djiga’s message attracted a like from Aarons, who largely dealt with the threat of former Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri on Tuesday.
Aarons set for new role at Ibrox
Football Insider verdict
Aarons has spent the majority of his career playing as a right-back for the likes of Valencia, Bournemouth, and Norwich City, but he started on the opposite side of Martin’s back four on Tuesday.
| Max Aarons stats v Panathinaikos | Credit: FotMob |
| Tackles won % | 100 |
| Accurate passes % | 96 |
| Minutes played | 90 |
While the former Southampton boss is keen to make his stamp on the Glaswegian outfit, long-serving right-back James Tavernier is likely to play a vital role in any success enjoyed by Rangers next season.
Therefore, after establishing a winning formula in the Gers’ Champions League qualifier, Martin will likely continue instilling his faith in Aarons at left-back, allowing both his summer signing and Tavernier to enjoy game time.
After being handed the difficult task of leading Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title since 2021, the ex-Saints boss needs both his additions and the Ibrox club’s stalwarts to perform this term.
Meanwhile, football finance expert Dan Plumley discussed defender Robin Propper’s potential move to Dutch side FC Twente in an Ibrox News exclusive.