After Rangers splashed out £3m [RangersTV] to take Filip Helander to Ibrox, few fans would’ve doubted that the big Swedish international will be a solid starter at Ibrox.
The former Bologna man was initially seen as the perfect folly to Connor Goldson, with the towering 6ft4 taking up the left-hand central defender berth.
But the form of a fan favourite may well be giving Steven Gerrard a multi-million-pound headache.
Nikola Katic followed up his impressive start to the season by stylishly finishing for Rangers’ third in the 4-2 win over FC Midtjylland.
This follows on from his commanding aerial displays against Kilmarnock, and well, just about everyone else he plays.
He’s a really valuable asset in both boxes when it comes to crosses and set-pieces.
Katic is exceptional in the air, plays with his heart of his sleeve and is an incredibly committed and determined defender.
More than that, Rangers fans love him. They have since he walked in through the door.
The big Croatian stopper is beginning to cement himself as a key fixture in Steven Gerrard’s side and anyone will do well to shift him in this form.
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We also saw last season how too much rotation in the backline led to disjointed performances, with a lack of consistency in the defensive line-up leading to high-profile mistakes.
Katic has the jersey for now. Not that Filip Helander won’t see minutes at Ibrox.
But the big Croat’s form is providing Steven Gerrard with a real dilemma over who is regular defensive starters are this season.
