It has been a brilliant few weeks for Rangers’ centre-backs. Filip Helander scored two goals in a week this month, while Connor Goldson put in a standout performance against Porto at Ibrox (WhoScored.com).
In fact, in his 12 games, Helander has recorded nine clean sheets. This stat was shared via a Rangers fan account on Twitter. The post encouraged discussion about the Swedish defender, with many praising the centre-back’s progress since the start of the season. In the eyes of these fans, the defender was an absolute bargain and they’re excited to see the partnership with Goldson continue.
He’s a tremendous defender.
Positioning is bang on, reads it well, good in the air, can play it out from the back… Looking like a bargain.
— SevcOjo (@Pena_Cartel) November 11, 2019
He’s seems like a bargain now got our defence looking solid
— bearette (@dianelambie71) November 11, 2019
No bad for an “expensive sub”
— (@AM1872x) November 11, 2019
Been class recently. As has Goldson
— Blair Gorman (@Blairgorman86) November 11, 2019
Some fans referenced the concerns over the defender’s lack of pace, however there appears to be little concern surrounding that aspect of his game now. Some even suggested that if the Swede had a decent amount of pace, he would have been worth nearly 10 times the £3.51 million price tag they paid for him.
Looks good so far. But I’m worried he goes one on one with someone who’s rapid. Early indications are he’s not got much pace, so hope rest of defense is alert to this
— richard mckinstray (@Richymck3) November 11, 2019
BUT HE IS SLOW
As if you need pace to be a good centre back
— Nathan (@nathanj3001) November 11, 2019
If he had pace then he would be worth 10 times what we paid. Will get caught out now and again but will be good over the season.
— colin dickson (@yayacd) November 11, 2019
What do we think?
The centre-back pairing of Goldson and Helander is coming together quite nicely for Steven Gerrard at the moment. A firm backline will be vital towards the English manager’s bid for a 55th Rangers league title and it would not be a surprise, if come the end of the season, that both the aforementioned duo had a key role in making that happen.