Ibrox View: Player deserves to keep place in Rangers XI after team-mate horror show
Rangers have an outstanding defensive record this season, conceding just three times in the Scottish Premiership so far.
With 14 league matches played, they have been incredibly impressive and Steven Gerrard has largely stuck with the same unit when fit.
Connor Goldson and James Tavernier have been ever-present, while Borna Barisic has made 12 starts. Filip Helander has started on nine occasions, but is definitely the player most at threat for his place, with Leon Balogun looking comfortable in Rangers shirt whenever he gets the opportunity (via WhoScored).
Signed from Brighton and Hove Albion over the summer, the 32-year-old is an experienced defender, having amassed 32 appearances at international level with Nigeria. So far this season he has largely been seen as a bench option though, with Helander trusted for the biggest games of the season against Celtic and Benfica from the start.
However, the Sweden international endured a torrid evening in Lisbon and was arguably culpable for all three of the Benfica goals as Rangers threw away a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3. Balogun started the following match against Hamilton Academical and contributed to a clean sheet, as the Gers won 8-0. On that basis, at least for now, he deserves to keep his place.
When comparing the two players Helander is the more combative, winning more tackles and aerial duels per game. However, he commits more fouls and is dribbled past more often, as was the case against Benfica (via WhoScored). Nonetheless, in terms of defensive statistics in the league this season, Helander just shaves it.
On the ball, Balogun is the more accurate passer and has even provided 0.3 key passes per appearance so far this season (via WhoScored). While Helander averages more attempted passes per game, he has played more often this season and joined the club last summer, giving him the time to build up an understanding with his teammates.
So far, nine matches into his Rangers career, Balogun has been pretty faultless and played his part in consecutive Europa League group stage clean sheets. Therefore, he deserves his place against Aberdeen and his chance to stake a real claim for a more regular starting berth. Helander should, of course, remain in the plans, but after his display against Benfica, it is time to give Balogun a genuine shot.
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