Rangers haven’t defended badly this season with individual mistakes being more of an issue than the set-up withl the re-introduction of Ben Davies seeing back-to-back clean sheets.
The well respected 28-year old has yet to lose a league game alongside Connor Goldson and it is a partnership that has a good balance.
Rumour and deadline day speculation throughout the summer about a Rangers exit ended when the transfer window shut but Ben Davies has started to change opinions and, via Rangers TV, Michael Beale is clearly impressed with his current form.
Linked with a return to England, Davies had been identified as a player who could leave the club.
This was only intensified by reports that Beale was said to have targeted both Auston Trusty and Jonathan Panzo to compete for the left-sided centre-half role.
Ben Davies given Beale backing after outstanding Rangers display
Speaking after the stunning win over Betis, the Rangers gaffer said of Ben Davies’ return:
“I’ve been delighted with Ben.
“We’ve had a couple of honest conversations during pre-season.
“He ended last season injured and he wasn’t ready to play ninety minutes until the international break.
“He’s worked really hard and he’s a very good player.
“His domestic record for Rangers is really good.”
Ben Davies has never been as bad as has been made out by an element of the Rangers support and elements of fan media.
Yes, he has made a couple of high-profile errors but he has also been largely consistent in the majority of his games for the club.
It is a similar situation that Borna Barisic is in, big mistakes in big games can easily unravel a Rangers career that has been overwhelmingly positive.
John Souttar was the man with the jersey, however, Ben Davies has taken his chance to regain his Rangers place with both hands.
Competition will, hopefully, drive both of them to a higher level with the improved results the ultimate pay off.
