Much of Philippe Clement’s early success as Rangers manager has come from how solid he has made the team out of possession and the form of John Souttar is being noticed.
The Gers boss has been limited recently in that Leon Balogun and Ben Davies have both been injured, however, the Scotland international has stepped up to the plate.
After guiding Rangers to the top of the league, Philippe Clement has to decide if John Souttar is to be his number one choice to partner Connor Goldson with Kris Boyd backing him to head to Germany.
Rangers fans tipped to see John Souttar at the Euros
Leon Balogun came in from the cold when Clement was first appointed and the veteran stopper has rarely let the manager down.
He has the physicality needed to blunt most Premiership threats and is the old school defender that has been missing from the squad in Filip Helander’s absence.
Speaking as part of the pre-match build up on Sky Sports, Boyd was quick to highlight the importance of the former Hearts skipper:
“The modern day, getting on the ball and passing it out from the back, there’s not many better in Scotland.
“He’ll get the ball off the goalkeeper and drive forward with it and pass it.
“For me, if he continues in this form, he should be on the plane to the Euros as well.”
What Souttar has over his older colleague is his ability on the ball and the extra yard of pace that Balogun used to have in his younger days.
It’s perfect for stepping up into midfield to apply quicker pressure when the ball is turned over or for covering his teammates if they have left runners.
There’s no question that John Souttar is one of the best centre-halves available to Steve Clarke.
When you look at the competition; Ryan Porteous, Jack Hendry, Scott McKenna and Liam Cooper, to name a few, there isn’t much of an argument.
As with Rangers though, Souttar needs to take it one game at a time, another couple of trophies under his belt and a place on the plane will be almost guaranteed.
