Rangers fans in awe of star who is 'best in Scotland for a long time,' even Celtic supporters agree
Derek McInnes' side travelled to Parkhead on Sunday for the first Scottish Premiership derby of the season, and they picked up where they had left off at Ibrox the previous week.
The visitors triumphed 1-0 away from home against their bitter rivals, with Ryan Naderi reacting well to fire home a loose ball for the only goal of the game.
The Gers have cut Celtic's lead at the top of the early-season table to just two points, and now have the chance to recoup over the international break.
Several players have starred in the pair of victories over the Bhoys, but arguably none more so than new centre-back Olwethu Makhanya.
The 22-year-old only joined from Philadelphia Union in the summer in a £3million deal, but fans already believe that Rangers have a gem on their hands.
Olwethu Makhanya labelled best defender in Scotland
Makhanya has quickly become an integral figure for Rangers in the early weeks of the campaign, and he is already forming a formidable partnership with Emmanuel Fernandez.
The South African chipped in with seven defensive contributions during Sunday's Old Firm win, and also won a staggering 75 per cent of his aerial duels.
It was the kind of performance that could turn the youngster into a hero at Ibrox, given that it came against Rangers' biggest rivals.
Fans have already wasted no time in showering praise on Makhanya, with several taking to X after the game to share their delight at his display.
One supporter labelled him "the best centre-half in Scottish football for a very long time," while another wrote that he was "magnificent."
Makhanya was already referred to as an "absolute gem," while another fan also pointed out that it won't be long before Rangers face a battle to keep hold of him.
Perhaps most notably, there was also praise for Makhanya from a Celtic fan, who suggested that "no one comes close" to him in terms of centre-backs in the Scottish Premiership.
Have Rangers sealed Martin O'Neill sack at Celtic?
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on Sunday that he would still be "surprised" if Celtic sacked Martin O'Neill right now.
However, the ex-recruitment man is in no doubt that the 74-year-old will face huge questions regarding his position in the coming weeks.
Brown pointed out that O'Neill is well aware of how damaging Old Firm defeats can be for managers, not least when two come around in consecutive weeks.
O'Neill has also suggested that he will evaluate his own position during the upcoming break, and there remains a possibility that Rangers have put the final nail in the coffin for his time at Celtic.