Rangers fans have heaped praise on Filip Helander after the big Swede put in an outstanding shift against Porto.
The Gers took a 1-1 draw from the game in Portugal, which is a much better result than some predicted pre-kick off.
It looked ominous when Luis Diaz’s unstoppable 25-yard drive flew into the top corner, but Steven Gerrard’s side responded superbly, with a wonderful team goal before half-time, before largely dictating the second half.
Despite the strong foothold Rangers had in the game, the hosts had quality players among their ranks who tested the defence’s resolve.
It stood up to the scrutiny, though, with Europa League specialist Helander a standout.
The Sweden international was brought in for a reported £3.5 million from Bologna in the summer [Scottish Sun] and hasn’t got as much game time as some may have been expected.
There’s often uproar anytime Nikola Katic is withdrawn from the XI, but it was clear to see just why the manager made the move this evening.
Up against the highly-rated and physical Moussa Marega, Helander came out on top on nearly every occasion.
In both halves of the match, he was there to make strong clearing headers, to put in blocks at just the right time and to, on more than one occasion, execute a last-ditch diving challenge to perfection.
He was booked in the 78th-minute for hauling down Marega after getting too tight, but in general, he dominated Porto’s main dangerman.
Rangers fans laud Helander for Porto display
The high level of the defender’s performance wasn’t lost on Bears, who raved about his presence at the back.
While he had a strong game against Feyenoord at Ibrox in September, it was clear that for some, this was his real breakout display in Light Blue.
Here’s a selection of reactions from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/BazBowsk1/status/1187440562665906177
https://twitter.com/Cjnovo992/status/1187441839768514564
https://twitter.com/GoodCopBabcock/status/1187441547119341568
https://twitter.com/Rossco5088/status/1187441592103297024
https://twitter.com/RangersCartel/status/1187442938630017025
https://twitter.com/RoseGardenNfse/status/1187443230670897152
