Joachim Bjorklund backs Filip Helander to be ‘big asset’ for Rangers next season
Former Rangers defender Joachim Bjorklund has backed fellow Swede Filip Helander to be a “big asset” for Steven Gerrard’s men next season.
The 27-year-old has struggled with injuries in Glasgow since signing from Bologna last summer, and has been limited to just 17 appearances across all competitions.
But Bjorklund, who won the Scottish title during his own spell at Ibrox, has claimed that his compatriot has all the necessary attributes to be a real success story for the Gers.
Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “It’s always a shame to get injured but I suppose it’s part and parcel of the game to deal with injuries but hopefully he can come back stronger next season and help Rangers win the title.
“Filip has done well when he’s played with the Swedish national team and he’s a big guy so it should work out in Scotland where you need physical attributes.
“But it’s about staying fit next season. If he can stay fit then I’m sure he can be a big asset for Rangers.
“He’s big and strong, good at attacking the ball and for a big guy he is more than half decent with the ball at his feet as well and he can play out from the back as Rangers do these days.”
How good can Helander be next term?
Losing the Swede partway through this season was a real blow for the Gers.
The centre-back wins a higher percentage of his defensive duels than teammate Connor Goldson, as well as mopping up more loose balls and giving possession away fewer times in his own half, as per Wyscout.
Incredibly, he also has a dribble success rate of 100% for the entirety of the 2019/20 campaign.
That kind of solidity and assurance on the ball wouldn’t have gone amiss at times this season, especially with Goldson looking more than shaky on several occasions, as previously discussed by Ibrox News.
Hopefully, having Helander come back into the side next season can help boost our title prospects significantly.
In other Rangers news, Peterborough chief MacAnthony claims reported Gers target Toney will not be sold on the cheap.