Rangers star given 'Scotland's best' moniker which makes Steve Clarke decision even worse
03/21/2025 02:00 PM
If Steve Clarke could pick his squad for last summer's European Championships again, there is one name who would be at the top of the list.
After a dismal tournament in Germany, the Scotland defence could have done with an in-form John Souttar at its heart with the former Hearts skipper quickly establishing himself as a first pick this season.
Bizarrely, Clarke went with players like Grant Hanley over Souttar, the latter having barely kicked a ball all season.
The Rangers No.5 has shown just how big a mistake it was and has sil need any critics with anotherr colossal performance.
Souttar was outstanding against Greece, with The Scotsman's Graham Falk using their player ratings to dish out the highest of praise.
John Souttar earns Scotland praise for immense Greece display
The 28-year old was near faultless in Athens, winning every duel, making 13 clearances and dominating in the air.
Having excelled for Rangers in Europe, it was nothing that he wasn't used to already.
Souttar was disappointed at missing out on the Euros, but has put that behind him with few in a navy shirt as impressive:
"Is the Rangers man morphing into Scotland’s best centre-back?" Wrote Falk.
"He’s certainly showing there’s an argument for it, without another wall-like performance. Made a fantastic block with just over 20 minutes to go."
In open play, Souttar won all his one v one battles, not only this, he threw himself in front of everything in the box, leaving Craig Gordon with just one save to make.
Souttar the template for Nils Koppen’s transfer plan
Souttar is the perfect example of the type of signing that Nils Koppen should be looking to make this summer.
Scour the SPFL for the best Scottish players at each club and, if possible, and it makes financial sense, bring them to Rangers.
Connor Barron and Lyall Cameron have a lot of potential, whilst Lennon Miller is also clearly destined for the top.
Outside of them, Josh Mulligan at Dundee has always impressed and Aberdeen's Jack MacKenzie has an almost Kirk Broadfoot appearance to him.
He's never going to be a world beater, but sometimes you just need a big, robust full-back when the nights get darker.
