Rangers managed to earn a well-deserved draw against Porto away from home in the Europa League. The result is especially commendable when one realises that the Portuguese heavyweights are filled with seasoned players and they made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season only.
The game could have gone either way in the end, but a draw was probably a fair result. One player who played a terrific part to earn that point was Filip Helander who marshalled the Portuguese attackers smartly. He was reliable and robust in his duels and was able to read the dangers well to make some crucial blocks and interceptions. The Swedish defender was also cynical when required as he made a few tactical fouls when Rangers could have been caught out.
It was a complete and matured performance from Helander, and it is clear now why the club paid millions to get his signature. However, given the way Gerrard has tinkered with the backline so far, we don’t think he will become the mainstay at the back for the league games.
Why Goldson isn’t irreplaceable?
Gerrard has given the job of the chief defender to Connor Goldson, and the other spot is seemingly up for grabs. However, we think that Goldson hasn’t covered himself in glory with some of his performances and the gaffer should look to try out the partnership between Nikola Katic and Helander in the upcoming few games.
Helander will be high on confidence after his recent performances, and if he misses out from the first team in the next few games, then he might feel hard done by. Gerrard should soon try to work out his best defensive pairing, and we would like to see Katic starting with Helander.
Gerrard on protecting Katic
Gerrard recently went on to reveal why he has kept Katic away from first teams sometimes. The manager had said, ”He’s been a regular for me, he’s been out the team at times just to protect him because of his age – in centre-half terms, he’s still young. ”
We think that if Katic or anyone else is doing well, then they should be given a steady go in the team irrespective of their age.
Moreover, Katic is not 18 or 19, but he is 23 at the moment with a decent amount of experience under his belt. Helander has made a strong claim for one of the centre back places after his recent performances. We hope that Gerrard goes on to start him with the Croatian in a few games to see how their partnership pans out.
