With the Gers finding themselves down by two goals early in the second half, there were likely many fans who were ready to accept that their European run was coming to an end.
However, an unbelievable second-half comeback, inspired by an Ianis Hagi brace, gave Rangers the lead heading into the second leg.
But, while Hagi was praised for his brace, many fans highlighted Scott Arfield, who is valued at £2.25 million (as per Transfermarkt), as being a major difference-maker during the game. The praised his performance in the first half, claiming that he was their rock. Without him, they don’t think the side would have won the match.
Here are some of the fans who thought he did exceptionally well.
Thought arfield was probably the best player In a terrible first half team performance. We struggled with the pitch , but he looked as if he handled it better than almost every man in a blue jersey. For me. He’s the inform midfielder at the moment
— rangers till i die (@geoftp1912) February 20, 2020
Arfield was putting himself about and was by far the best out of the midfield 3. Our second was scored by substitution Joe Aribo. The goal was sublime, almost Messi like. 65th plus I thought we had spells of excellence which is promising especially it being in Europe.
— Talk Rangers (@talkrangers_) February 20, 2020
Scott Arfield was superb tonite hagi touch n vision top drawer Aribo goal of the tournament
— Craig Alexander (@Craigylfb) February 20, 2020
Arfield for me, tremendous shift and the only forward player with pass marks in the 1st half
— sclark73 (@stewart020214) February 20, 2020
Arfield was immense.
— Ozzysraders (@DavidOsborne4) February 20, 2020
Obvious ones take the credit and the plaudits but arfield tonight didn’t ever give up diggin
— JC (@jamiecochran98) February 20, 2020
Arfield was MOM in my opinion. Thought he was composed and picked his passes well all night, positional play was also spot on out of possession
— Del Smith (@DelSmithRFC) February 20, 2020
Thought Arfield was tremendous tonight especially with Davis a bit off it
— Shmandog (@Pandy297) February 20, 2020
Arfield first half was our rock
— Gus Dykes (@pairtygus) February 20, 2020
Do you think fans are underrating Arfield's shift against Braga?
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No
What do we think?
The fans’ thoughts on Arfield aren’t reflected in WhoScored’s rating of the player, however. They awarded him a measly 6.4/10 for his contribution. He completed three tackles, won two aerial duels and registered an 81% passing accuracy.
It is glad to see that, while WhoScored didn’t rate Arfield’s performance that highly, the supporters were fully behind him.
Hopefully he continues his brilliant form going forward this season. He has already scored five goals so far in 2020, despite only playing in nine matches.