The pairing of Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic in central defence has produced some significant results for Rangers in the recent past. However, Steven Gerrard had some other ideas ahead of their high-profile Europa League contest against Feyenoord on Thursday night. He opted to line up Filip Helander replacing Katic in the heart of the backline, and the Swedish centre-half made his presence known by helping the Gers keep a clean sheet.
The £3.5m summer signing from Bologna justified his price tag and succeeded in living up to the hype against the Dutch giants. The Ibrox crowd lauded his towering display following the famous win and Andy Little, the former Bears star, did not hide his ecstasy while speaking to Rangers TV post match.
“I was really, really impressed. He came obviously with a price tag on his head as well and to step into a back four which has been fairly solid, certainly if you think of Tavernier, Goldson and Katic, that three hasn’t really changed, to step in and he was my man of the match.”
Told the Northern Irishman as he hailed Helander’s ‘battling performance’ alongside Goldson.
A Selection Dilemma For Gerrard Now?
The Sweden international had a slow start to life in Govan but is now ready to register a regular role in the deep defensive line. Gerrard is well equipped with Goldson, Katic, Helander as well as George Edmundson, but the selection dilemma is understandable. The Croatian has done no wrong, rather improved his game vastly compared to the previous campaign.
It is pretty unusual to experiment when things are stable at the back, yet the gaffer must risk it now to incorporate the 26-year-old to his first-team set-up.
What Does He Bring In Rangers’ Backline?
Helander holds all-round defensive attributes with physical as well as aerial supremacy, game-reading traits along with positioning and the ability to play the ball out from the deep. He spent four seasons in Serie A, and therefore, has the experience of high-profile contests that helped him deliver against Feyenoord.
Gerrard likes his men to dominate possession, play passes and wait patiently before breaking the opponents’ resolve. The Swedish ace is calm and composed on the ball, also prefers to make no-nonsense clearances over unnecessary touches that invite pressure. He offers adaptability as per the game’s demands, and it is to be seen now whether his display has finally earned him a first-team status.
