Scottish media react to ‘aggressive’ John Souttar display as Rangers ace frustrates thousands
Rangers centre-back John Souttar played in Scotland’s 0-0 draw against Denmark on Friday night.
Scotland’s World Cup qualification campaign has officially got underway, and a trip to Belarus awaits Steve Clarke’s side next.
Coming up against a Denmark side ranked 21st in the world, Souttar was amongst the defensive line that were in for a real challenge.
Rangers’ disastrous start to the season has meant Souttar has come in to the international break low on confidence, and the 28-year-old needed to put in a huge performance for Scotland.
John Souttar among key performers in Denmark vs Scotland
With Rangers winless in four Scottish Premiership games, Souttar could have been forgiven for making a shaky start to the match against Denmark.
However, he produced a monumental display alongside Grant Hanley, frustrating the Danish crowd.
The Scottish Sun gave Souttar a 7/10 rating, praising the defender for standing firm amidst a wave of Denmark attacks.
The Herald went even further, giving a Souttar in 8/10 rating, praising the defender for some crucial blocks he made throughout the match and stating both he and Grant Hanley were “aggressive”.
BBC Sport pointed out that Souttar and Hanley made 16 clearances and won 10 duels between them as they frustrated the thousands of home fans in attendance.
Souttar has made 17 caps for Scotland, scoring two goals for his country since his first appearance in 2018.
| Stat vs Denmark | John Souttar |
| Clearances | 9 |
| Headed clearances | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Tackles | 1 |
His performance should build his confidence for when he returns to Ibrox, as Rangers enter a crucial period of the season.
Souttar faced heavy scrutiny after his poor defending against St. Mirren, and the arrival of Derek Cornelius has added competition at the back for Rangers.
Souttar has responded well to criticism with his display for Scotland, but he now has to perform this way consistently for Rangers in the next few matches.
Angus Gunn’s performance leaves Liam Kelly as clear second-choice goalkeeper
Gunn made two saves and dealt with crosses constantly during the 0-0 draw.
Kelly watched on from the bench perhaps frustrated that he wasn’t starting the man starting for his country.
Kelly is also the backup keeper at Rangers, and he must be craving a return to action.
Last season he played 10 matches for rangers in the Scottish Premiership, but with Jack Butland unlikely to be displaced as the number one, Kelly must wait for game time for both his club and country.
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