Leon Balogun may have started last game for Rangers after what he did v Celtic
Rangers defender Leon Balogun once again proved that he’s no longer capable of being a first-team regular after his display against Celtic.
The Hoops reasserted their authority at the top of the Scottish Premiership by ending rivals Rangers’ 16-game unbeaten run under manager Philippe Clement in an intriguing Old Firm derby on Saturday (30 December).
Goals from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi before a tremendous James Tavernier free-kick ensured Brendan Rodgers’ men go eight points clear at the top, but the Gers still have two games in hand over their rivals.
Celtic certainly proved their long-held dominance over Rangers in what was an engrossing affair between the two teams but any chance of Clement’s team clawing their way back was completely ruined by one of their most senior and experienced players.
Rangers played out the last 30 minutes with 10 men after Balogun was dismissed for hauling down Daizen Maeda as he burst towards goal.
One of the main reasons Rangers and former boss Michael Beale brought the fan favourite back to Ibrox was indeed because of his experience and know-how, especially in these games.
However, that knowledge and trust in the senior defender certainly went out of the window after what was a “nightmare” display from the 35-year-old as explained by Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie.
As per SofaScore, Balogun may have won two of his three ground duel attempts and 100 per cent of his aerial duels but his performance on the ball proved rather woeful, losing possession 11 times, completing just 68 per cent of his passes.
Given the dreadful injury and fitness situation Rangers are engulfed in right now, Clement’s selection of the 35-year-old in recent weeks has been understandable but this latest display should be a wake-up call to the Belgian and those behind the scenes that the defensive department needs a serious refresh in January.
Like Celtic have done so successfully in recent seasons, they’ve bought young and hungry defenders moulding them into Scottish Premiership world beaters and eventually selling for profit.
Rangers do not have that luxury simply as a result of their poor recruitment, something Clement has to get right starting in January.
Balogun has been a terrific servant at Ibrox, as he’s shown on numerous occasions for Clement this season but his latest display, in a game which matters most to the Rangers fans just goes to show how far the Light Blues are from matching their Old Firm rivals pound for pound.
This may be the last we see again of Balogun starting from the off.
In other Rangers news, the Gers have reportedly already prepared a new £2.5 million bid for another January signing