GvB must now unleash £14k-p/w Rangers dynamo vs DUFC, he’s a “tremendous addition” – opinion

Rangers have had a stunning few weeks, progressing to the finals of both the Scottish Cup and, more recently, the Europa League.

A historic double is on the cards and Giovanni van Bronckhorst must be commended for his tactical masterclass, especially in Europe and he has used his squad well over the previous few weeks.

With a home fixture in the Premiership against Dundee United tomorrow, the Dutchman will be aiming to utilise his squad to its full potential and rotate a few bodies.

Leon Balogun should be unleashed on Sunday in order to give Calvin Bassey or even Connor Goldson a vital rest.

The £14k-p/w Nigeria defender has been a “tremendous addition” to the Rangers team, according to former Gers hero Alex Rae, and it’s clear to see why.

Since arriving at Rangers in 2020, he has amassed 62 appearances, scoring twice for the club, and contributing heavily to them winning their first Premiership title in ten years last season.

His importance to the team is backed up by his defensive statistics this season. In 19 league matches, Balogun has made more interceptions (29) than fellow Gers defenders Goldson (16) and Bassey (19), despite playing fewer matches than the latter duo.

With a WhoScored average rating of 6.88, the 33-year-old Nigerian is Rangers’ second highest-rated centre-back, which is made even better as he has featured in 15 fewer matches than Goldson.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Balogun’s excellent performances when he is called upon deserve at least a one-year extension. In the shorter-term, Van Bronckhorst should restore him to the startine line-up tomorrow after he missed last week’s clash against Celtic due to suspension.

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