Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has raved about Leon Balogun [RangersTV], although the centre-back is unlikely to face Kilmarnock on Sunday.
Balogun signed for the Gers on a free transfer in August following a spell at Wigan Athletic and he’s impressed both the coaching staff and the supporters.
The 32-year-old has made seven appearances to date and Rangers have only conceded once when he’s been on the pitch.
Gerrard showed plenty of trust in Balogun by starting him in the opening two Europa League group stage fixtures against Standard Liege and Lech Poznan, and he stepped up the mark as the Gers secured consecutive clean sheets.
The manager is pleased with how his summer signing is performing but says his workload needs to be managed going forward.
“Leon’s come in and settled really quickly,” said Gerrard, as captured by RangersTV. “We knew he was a top player. I spoke to Paul Cook about him in detail when he was his manager at Wigan – I know Cooky very well.”
“He’s an international player, he’s very quick, he’s got a fantastic profile – a profile that we like in that area. He’s been putting in some real consistent performances.
“Leon’s one that we have to manage in terms of his body. He’s had some injuries in the past where he needs looking after. The same with Helander – last year we lost him for three months which hurt us a lot. So, it’s about managing the individual players physically.”
Rangers boss raves about Leon Balogun but centre-back unlikely to face Kilmarnock – Verdict
Balogun has been impressive ever since he arrived at Ibrox, with the centre-back starring at Aberdeen on debut and barely putting a foot wrong since.
The Nigeria international has had a variety of knee and muscle problems over the course of his career, though, and has already spent some time in the Rangers treatment room, so it’s no great surprise to hear Gerrard speak of the need for workload management.
Right now, the plan appears to be to deploy Filip Helander alongside Connor Goldson in the Premiership and for Balogun to come into the side for European matches.
Given that the Gers have, incredibly, only conceded one shot on target in their last five matches, the tactic is clearly working.
Balogun is likely to drop to the bench for the crucial league fixture against Kilmarnock this weekend but he could return to the XI for next Thursday’s clash against Benfica.
