When Steven Gerrard was announced as the Rangers manager, one of his first tasks would have been to see where Rangers needed to strengthen and improve to challenge Celtic for the title. The area that he targeted was defence, and one of his top targets was Brighton’s, Connor Goldson. After weeks of negotiations, Goldson joined Rangers for a fee of £3 million.
Many Brighton fans (including me) thought this was a steal for Rangers considering how good Goldson was and that they should have been holding out for more money.
Goldson has been integral to Rangers
The 25-year-old centre-half has been essential for Rangers since signing. Goldson has featured in all five of Rangers’ Europa League qualifiers as well as both their Scottish Premier League (SPL) fixtures so far. In only his second game for Rangers in the SPL, he scored after getting on the end of a free kick which he headed into the top right corner.
Having watched Goldson in a few of his games since joining Rangers, I am not surprised at all that he has become a key player and a popular among Rangers fans. Goldson has made Rangers a solid unit at the back and in the few games that I have seen, he has not lost a header, blocked numerous shots and been a threat going forward from set pieces, which is evident having scored from one already.
Goldson has also added communication and organisation to the Rangers defence. This is something that he would have had drummed into him at Brighton & Hove Albion, especially in a squad managed by Chris Hughton. I am elated by Goldson’s success considering that this is what he has done for Brighton and this made him a fan’s favourite with the Albion faithful.
Goldson back to his best after heart surgery
The thing that makes Goldson’s performances even more impressive is that he is back playing just over a year after having heart surgery after Brighton noticed a problem on the heart screening monitor. Heart screenings have become even more prominent for football clubs since Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch when playing for Bolton back in March 2012.
Goldson did not know (when he was diagnosed for a heart problem) if he would ever be able to play again, due to what had happened with Muamba and other players previously. Now just over a year later, he has played in front of 50,000 fans at Ibrox in the Europa League.
Gerrard has been full of praise for Goldson
Goldson’s manager, Gerrard has recognised how crucial Goldson has been and gave him the captain’s armband in the absence of their usual captain, James Tavernier.
When speaking to Ranger’s TV after their 2-0 win against St Mirren last Sunday, Gerrard said the following on Goldson: “He is a leader and a huge player for us. He has been superb on and off the pitch, ever since the day he rolled in.
“He is the reason why we are looking so solid – his communication, his organisation – and he is posting very strong performances. That is the reason he is vice-captain here.”
Gerrard must be pinching himself for securing such an impressive deal for Goldson, who for me if Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy had not been so impressive would have been an integral player for Brighton in the Championship and the Premier League.
What Rangers fans have made of Goldson since he joined
As I had mentioned previously, Goldson seems to have been as much of a hit with Rangers fans as he was with Brighton fans. Goldson has quickly made him a favourite with the Rangers faithful.
Would just like to apologise to @OfficialBHAFC on behalf of Rangers for the absolute robbery committed when we took Connor goldson for only 3 million. What a player!
— Ibrox Views (@IbroxViews) August 2, 2018
This is the view of many Rangers fans with some even saying he is one of the best pieces of business they have done in the summer transfer window.
Goldson could guide Rangers to the title
If Goldson continues to play as he has so far for Rangers, there is an excellent chance that he could be critical to Rangers winning the title, as long as he can keep the defence organised and stable. Goldson could also even further his case to help Rangers’ title bid if he continues to score more goals throughout the season, as his goals could be the difference between them finishing first or second.
