Rangers boss Steven Gerrard thinks Filip Helander announced himself with the Gers after a stunning Europa League display against Porto, but can he get it right domestically?
The big Swede showed exactly why Rangers shelled out £3m [RangersTV] for his services in the summer with a composed, physical and experienced display against the Portuguese club.
A powerful, intelligent defender, Helander was brought into Ibrox for these high-pressure games against top opposition.
The idea is clearly that Helander’s experience playing against some of the top strikers in Europe for Bologna in Serie A over the last few seasons would be invaluable for Steven Gerrard’s side.
The fact he’s an established 10-cap international with Sweden is another example of the experience Helander has playing at the highest level.
You saw in the match with Porto – and in the 1-0 win over Feyenoord – just how valuable Helander could prove against quality opposition.
Yet the big man has at times toiled in the Scottish domestic game. Case in point is the match with Livingston.
The defender’s lack of pace was badly exposed and despite Rangers coming away with a 1-0 win, Helander was lucky not to cost the side in the match.
Whilst all players need time to settle in Scotland and get used to the style and nature of football here, it’s interesting that the 26-year-old hasn’t been able to so far make an impact on home soil.
The form of Nikola Katic – who has just been rewarded with a new contract – has also been a contributing factor to Helander only playing four domestic games for Rangers.
That could well be about to change in the coming weeks.
And whilst Helander has proven a reliable asset in the matches against the big boys, you get the impression that he’ll stroll it in Scotland once he gets used to the league.
