Leon Balogun is gearing up for another huge Europa League at Ibrox as Athletic Club come to town in the competition’s quarter finals.
The veteran Rangers defender, 36, admitted fans are well within their rights to criticise the Rangers team with Balogun admitting some home truths were told at the Rangers training ground this week.
Leon Balogun was part of the Rangers squad that reached the Europa League Final in Seville and the Nigerian international will have similar ambitions to reach Bilbao this season.
But if the Ibrox side are to reach this season’s showpiece, they will have to overcome the competition’s host with Athletic Bilbao’s Estadio de San Mames hosting this season’s final.
With Barry Ferguson branding Athletic Club ‘favourites’ heading into the tie, Balogun admits he is relishing facing off against one Spanish international in particular.
Leon Balogun relishing chance to face Athletic Club talent
There’s been plenty made about Nico Williams heading into Rangers’ Europa League clash with Athletic Club.
The Spanish winger, 22, is being tracked by Europe’s elite with Arsenal’s new sporting director meeting Williams’ agent heading into this game.
Leon Balogun has faced off against some major talents whilst in a Rangers jersey and the defender admits he’s relishing the opportunity to face the forward in Glasgow.
“It’s going to be a big challenge, but I think it’s a big challenge for any player in the world who plays against him these days,” Balogun told the press ahead of the game.
“And I think it’s a privilege to be able to play against these type of players.
“Yes, they are really good players, or more than really good, world-class, some of them, but those are the games, those are the type of matches that you dream of when you’re a young boy, so we should just embrace it and be joyful about it and make sure that we have something to take joy out of it as well.”
Leon Balogun gutted to miss Erling Haaland chance
Leon Balogun came off the bench as Rangers recorded a famous victory over Borussia Dortmund on the run to the Europa League Final in 2022.
The Nigerian international centre-back never played in the first game in Germany, where Rangers recorded a famous 4-2 victory, but did get minutes in the 2-2 draw at Ibrox.
With Erling Haaland missing for both matches, Balogun admits he does wish he got the chance to come up against the now Manchester City striker.
“I remember when we went all the way to Seville three years ago, I was desperate to play against Haaland, but he wasn’t fit for the games,” Balogun said.
“In hindsight, maybe it was better that he didn’t play, we don’t know! But I think this is the type of mindset you need to have.”
