One of Rangers biggest problems over the last few seasons has been keeping players fit consistently throughout the season.
A fully fit squad is the dream of every manager and Philippe Clement is no different having inherited players with thick medical files.
There have been improvements though, with one player in particular now reaping the benefits for both Rangers and Scotland – John Souttar.
John Souttar leading the way as Rangers’ Cesar Azpilicueta
His return for the national team has seen Souttar earn rave reviews with clean sheets against Croatia and Poland backing up a solid performance against Portugal.
Statistically, using DataMB’s comparison model, Souttar is outperforming Spain legend Cesar Azpilicueta.
The only metric where the Spain captain has any marked advantage is in ball carrying with Souttar leading the way on the other metrics.
Clement deserves credit for Souttar’s return to form
Philippe Clement still has a lot to work on, however, he deserves praise for the changes that have seen Souttar become so consistent in terms of availability and branded “unbelievable” by Scotland captain Andy Robertson.
“I don’t think there’s one squad in the world where there are no injuries. That’s a utopia. In periods yes, but last season we had in a lot of moments 12 players out. That’s never been the case this season,” said Clement recently on Rangers injury list.
“So, there are changes made in staff, in the way of working, in a lot of things. And we start to see also the benefits of that.
“For example, John Souttar in his career never played so many minutes as he’s been doing now. Never. Before he always had injuries in those moments and there are other examples also in that way.
“So, there are good steps made. We still have to make steps to make the team in general more robust. I’m happy to see some players back. Nico [Raskin] last season, he missed a lot of games. So, we’re happy that we have several of those players back.”
All Souttar has to do now is bring his Scotland form back to Ibrox.
