Mr. Dependable: How Leon Balogun has become a key player for Rangers once again

Not many expected Leon Balogun to become a vital player for Rangers when he rejoined the club in the summer and it was no surprise that he made only one appearance in the Scottish Premiership from August to October.

However, since the start of November, the Super Eagles centre-back has become a regular name on  Philippe Clement's team sheet, having started all but one game since then in all competitions.

It was also not surprising to see him start in the Light Blues win over Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday.

The 35-year-old has been able to displace John Souttar from the first XI and has formed a formidable partnership with Connor Goldson.

Rangers' defence has looked more solid with Balogun back in the team, keeping 5 clean sheets in the last eight games he has started across all competitions 

His reading of the game has come in handy for the newly crowned Scottish Cup champions and this has been statically proven.

According to whoscored.com, the Nigeria international is averaging 1.7 interceptions per game in the Scottish Premiership this season, the most in the Light Blues while his 4.6 clearances per game is also the highest in the side.

It will also interest you to know he is rated as one of the best players in Rangers's team at the moment with his 7.60 rating per whoscored.com in the Scottish Premiership being the second-highest.

It is safe to say that Balogun has become a vital player at Ibrox once again but whether that will be enough to force him into José Peseiro's plan ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations next month remains to be seen.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: rangers.co.uk

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