For years Rangers missed someone like Connor Goldson. A warrior, a battler, yet a cool head. A proper warm blooded, physical presence at centre back.
Not only does the big Englishman bring that in spades, but he’s a top player too. Goldson is comfy on the ball, he doesn’t mind receiving a pass and he’s a mature, calming presence on the backline.
It’s crazy to think he’s only 26. The former Shrewsbury Town star plays and feels like someone many years his senior. It’s crazier to think Transfermarkt only rate him at around £1m.
His commitment has been second to none since he joined. In a defence which has been chopped and changed so much he has been that Mr. Consistent alongside James Tavernier. He’s had to adapt his game and understanding to Nikola Katic, Joe Worrall and Gareth McAuley.
Goldson has been so consistent at Ibrox
Yet Goldson has rarely flinched. Barring two matches – against Motherwell away and Spartak Moscow away – the big man has been impeccable.
Once again on Saturday he was sublime. Strong, physical and superb in the air, Celtic barely got a sniff. The hardy centre back even took an injection to get through the match. He seemed to enjoy it when the final whistle went too.
At the same time, Celtic’s centre halves were woeful. They struggled with the press, Rangers hounded them and Morelos bullied them.
When we signed him, it’s no wonder Brighton fans were sad to see him go. He’d spent a year out with a heart problem and on his return, a match against Watford in December last year, he absolutely stole the show.
The £3.5m we spent on Connor Goldson looks a snip. He’s not just a Premier League quality centre back, but he’s the best centre back in the Scottish Premiership.
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