Rangers unsung hero that made 'big difference' against St Johnstone and how he helped change game
12/02/2024 09:45 AM
Rangers ground out a win against St Johnstone with a much-improved second half display.
For the second league game in a row, Philippe Clement turned to his substitutions’ bench at half-time after Ianis Hagi and Danilo had made a difference against Dundee United.
This time it was Leon Balogun who got stripped for the second period to replace Robin Propper who had struggled during the first 45 minutes.
But Clement later revealed Propper had actually taken a knock and that was the reason for the change.
Nevertheless, the switch did actually seem to help Rangers as they took a grip of the second half with Balogun impressing.
Leon Balogun makes Rangers difference
So much so that the Nigerian defender has been namechecked as making the biggest positive change to the Rangers team in Perth.
It’s not often when a team finally overcomes a slog to win make the breakthrough and win the game that a centre half would be the one highlighted.
But that was the case here as Balogun really helped the team get a grip of proceedings.
Former St Johnstone player Ryan McGowan was a big admirer of the performance.
He said on BBC Sportsound: “From a Rangers point of view it was night and day between the first half and the second half. I thought second half they were very good, they didn’t allow St Johnstone to be playing like they did in the first 20 minutes.
“Albeit St Johnstone had made substitutions at that point where there players weren’t as comfortable in the middle of the pitch.
“I think Balogun made a big difference. He just snuffed everything out. Was strong, physical, quick and didn’t even allow St Johnstone players to get up the pitch and win a throw-in.
“I thought he made a big difference when he came on in allowing the forward players to be able to press and put pressure on the St Johnstone players, so that even when they were playing that ball they were under a little bit more pressure than they were in the first half.”
Balogun helps Rangers pal John Souttar
A defender himself, McGowan was asked if Balogun’s assuredness would be a big help for John Souttar.
And he went on: “Yeah, and you want partnerships all over the pitch and centre-back is one of the most important ones.
“You want to know when you go up for a header that your centre-back partner is covering you, that if the ball is in the channel you’re not having to sprint across and you’re worried he might get outpaced or outmuscled.
“I feel those two have done really well and any time I have watched Rangers they do seem to complement each other.
“Souttar is great at coming out with the ball and making passes and Balogun is strong and aggressive.”
