Findlay Curtis upstages his senior Rangers team mates with stunning stat | OneFootball

Findlay Curtis delivered a standout performance for Rangers against Panathinaikos in the recent Champions League qualifier, emerging as the team’s most effective ball-winner on the night. The young midfielder managed 3 successful tackles, more than any other Rangers player, and was a key presence in breaking up opposition attacks throughout the match.

In a high-pressure game where both teams knew what was at stake, Curtis brought control and discipline to Rangers’ midfield. His positioning, awareness, and willingness to engage physically allowed him to read the game well and intervene effectively, halting Panathinaikos’ forward momentum at several key points. His tackling contributions helped Rangers regain possession and launch transitions from defence to attack.

Curtis’ standout defensive performance wasn’t his only contribution. He also opened the scoring with a well-taken goal in the 52nd minute, giving Rangers the lead and shifting the momentum in their favour. It was a composed finish, reflecting a growing maturity in his game, and one that played a major role in Rangers’ eventual 2–0 win on the night.

Across the team, Rangers registered 15 tackles, with Curtis responsible for almost a quarter of those. His closest teammates in that metric each registered fewer, underlining his work rate and impact in the heart of midfield. While Panathinaikos made more tackles overall, with 20, Rangers’ collective efforts were more effective in terms of disrupting play in the most crucial areas.

Statistically, Curtis also matched Panathinaikos’ Pedro Chirivella, who made 4 tackles for the away side, but what set Curtis apart was the timing and influence of his interventions. Several of his challenges came in dangerous areas, stopping counterattacks and preventing Panathinaikos from building rhythm in Rangers’ half.

This performance is another step forward for Curtis, who has been gradually establishing himself in the Rangers first team. His mix of defensive grit and composure in front of goal offers manager Russell Martin a dependable option in midfield, especially in high-tempo European matches where control and energy are essential.

As Rangers look ahead to the second leg, Curtis’ display gives them a solid foundation to build on. If he can maintain this level of consistency and impact, he may quickly become one of the most trusted players in Martin’s setup moving forward.