Former Rangers midfielder Robert Prytz has spoken to the Scottish Sun about Filip Helander.
The 26-year-old defender completed a move from Bologna to Ibrox over the weekend. He’s the second centre-back Stevie G has signed this summer, and he is expected to play alongside Connor Goldson in the first-choice defensive partnership.
Prytz, who played for the Gers between 1982 and 1985, thinks the club has a real gem on their hands.
He points to his playing style, Serie A experience and international pedigree as major positives.
“I’m really pleased Helander has joined Rangers,” Prytz
“He wouldn’t get one Italian team if he didn’t have some quality — never mind two. He got moves there as he’s very much a modern-day footballer who likes to build play from the back. He doesn’t just whack it 60 yards up the field.
“He’s more like Virgil van Dijk in the way he wants to pass the ball — but he’s strong and tall enough to dominate if his team is defending. He was regularly involved with the Swedish national team and was picked for the 2018 World Cup squad. And he’s kept his place in the national team even though he wasn’t playing regularly.
“But that will be another reason he’ll have wanted the move to Scotland — because if he’s playing regularly for Rangers he’ll stay involved with the national team. I’m sure he’ll go to Scotland and settle quickly as Scottish football might suit better than the game in Italy.”
Verdict
These comments from a fellow Swede should be encouraging for Bears.
Last season, Joe Worrall proved himself to be a strong defender. However, he was shaky in possession and distribution errors from the Forest loanee cost Rangers valuable points.
In comparing Helander to the £81m-valued Van Dijk [Transfermarkt], Prytz is suggesting Gerrard has secured a major upgrade.
If Helander is composed and likes to play out from the back, he should prove the perfect foil for Connor Goldson who is more of an old fashioned, ball-winning central defender.
