Leon Balogun, as he has been for almost every second that he has played this season, was immense for Rangers against Aberdeen at the weekend.
The 35-year old has thrust himself into the position as first choice partner for Connor Goldson and it is paying dividends for Gers boss Philippe Clement.
The problem is, we can’t build for the future with a defence that has four 30-somethings across it but Leon Balogun should be the template for the next Rangers centre-half acquisition.
Leon Balogun should be the template for Rangers signing
Ben Davies made one mistake against Real Betis and got punished for it, other than that he coped pretty well against top opposition as he did at Ibrox against the Spaniards and against Sparta Prague.
However, because of John Souttar’s status as a home grown player, he is the one most likely to be moved on if a suitable buyer can be found.
Where the money should be spent is an easy one.
Harry Souttar has been linked with a move to Rangers as recently as the summer and, alongside his brother, it’s no secret where his allegiances lie, he would also be the perfect Balogun replacement.
What do I mean by this?
When you add Filip Helander in too, there is a clear type of partner that suits playing alongside Goldson.
One who prefers to attack the ball, deal with opposition strikers one to one and do all the dirty work.
This in turn allows Goldson to do what he does best, organise the defence.
When he can leave someone like Leon Balogun to do their job, he seems to find it easier to get on with his, however, if he has to do more of the defending himself, that is when Rangers don’t look as solid at the back.
Harry Souttar, who cost Leicester City a reported £15m, is a defender straight out of the same mould as Balogun and Helander, as the image via DataMB shows, he wins his duels, headers and keeps it simple in possession.
Not only would he be keen to move to Rangers but Leicester City would be unlikely to stand in his way given how little game time he is getting.
Harry – just – qualifies for home grown status seeing as he moved to Stoke City shortly before his 18th birthday before returning to play for Ross County on loan.
He is the right age and right profile, hopefully, the price could be right too.
