Chris Sutton has told BT Sport’s Europa League Highlights Show that Leon Balogun was “caught on his heels” as Rangers suffered a 1-0 loss to Braga on Thursday. Abel Ruiz scored the only goal of the game in North Portugal.
Balogun, 33, started at centre-back alongside Connor Goldson against Braga – picked ahead of Filip Helander. Giovanni van Bronckhorst has also been known to convert to a back three, with Calvin Bassey playing in the middle.
However, the Gers struggled in the first half and fell behind to a nice strike from Abel Ruiz. While Rangers improved towards the end after van Bronckhorst made a couple of substitutions – the scoreline read 1-0 to Braga.
It was Balogun’s 58th outing for Rangers – one more and the Scottish side will be the club he has played most games for. But Sutton was critical of the German-born man, as Ruiz slammed home the only goal of the game.
“Balogun was caught, really on his heels. Rangers do not defend it properly, and it is a brilliant finish from Abel Ruiz. Rangers pushed towards the end, looked better,” Sutton told BT Sport’s Highlights Show.
Sutton on Balogun: Rangers really need improvements at centre-back
Balogun has been good for Rangers. Joining on a free transfer in the summer of 2020 and since becoming a regular for Nigeria, Balogun has been a good bit of business by the Gers. But improvements are needed.
For a club playing in the last eight of the Europa League, the Gers need better at centre-back. John Souttar is on his way, but with Connor Goldson also going, Rangers need a big-money signing in the heart of the defence.
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