Rangers star joins international dream team in best of UEFA Nations League XI
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The priority for Philippe Clement when he lost players to the international break would be to have them all returned to Rangers unscathed.
Unfortunately, Neraysho Kasanwirjo went off injured for the Netherlands Under-21s, but there are no other concerns as the manager looks for a big push from his squad in the next key block of fixtures.
What Clement will have been delighted to see is the form of John Souttar for Scotland with Rangers sure to reap the rewards of a player named alongside some illustrious teammates.
- READ MORE:Neraysho Kasanwirjo makes Rangers teammate 'clashes' claim as Philippe Clement sweats on injury
Rangers defender John Souttar in UEFA Nations League XI
Statistics website WhoScored, has collated the team of the group stage for the UEFA Nations League A and Souttar has made the grade.ย
A surprise inclusion, Souttar is partnered by Aymeric Laporte with Denzel Dumfries and Lucas Digne as the full-backs but there is a reason why the 28-year old was picked:
"Scotland and Rangers defender John Souttar features at the back, having helped Steve Clarke's side to clean sheets at home to both Portugal and Croatia.
"The 28-year-old also provided an assist in the dramatic late victory over Poland on Monday evening, as Scotland finished third in Group 1."
What did Nils Koppen say about Souttar's future?
Souttar has been an integral part of Clement's starting XI over the past year but he now needs to show the sort of performances that he gave for Scotland.ย
He's just kept some of the best forwards in Europe quiet, now he needs to believe that he is the best defender in the SPFL.
The player trading model dictates that Rangers need to develop talent before selling at the right price, however, newly appointed technical director Nils Koppen has already said that Souttar is going nowhere:
"Of course, you need some of these guys, like John Souttar, to stay for a long time at the club. Guys who understand the DNA of the football club and can pass that knowledge onto new players."
There has never been any question about Souttar's ability, if he can develop the concentration needed to match, this sort of accolade will be a more regular occurrence.
