Double Rangers title winner Joachim Bjorklund has told The Scottish Sun that Filip Helander and Connor Goldson provide Steven Gerrard with a ‘formidable’ defensive partnership.
Bjorklund believes it will be important that Rangers have a tough backline ahead of their Champions League qualifying campaign. Gerrard’s men’s path to the group stage is likely to start against Malmo, should the Swedish side beat HJK Helsinki.
Malmo hold a 2-1 lead after the first-leg of their second-round tie, and top the Allsvenskan after 12 games. Bjorklund expects Malmo will complete the job as they are a tough side to beat, and will then pose a threat to Rangers.
However, Bjorklund also feels Gerrard has the men in Helander and Goldson for Rangers to withstand Malmo’s attacks. They played 31 games together last season in all competitions, helping to 18 clean sheets – including shutting out Celtic twice.
“I watched most of the European games last season and I was particularly impressed by Helander and Goldson,” Bjorklund said. “They looked like such a formidable partnership, and you need a good central-defensive pairing to do well in Europe.
“It is important you have a solid base and with Helander and Goldson, Rangers certainly have that. I obviously know Helander, as a Swede. He is a good player and a good fit for Rangers. He just loves to defend and that is what you need against the better teams.
“Helander is an experienced player who has played in Italy and for the national team. He has really stood out over the past couple of seasons in Europe against top teams like Porto and Benfica. And he will need some more big performances, as Malmo will be no pushovers.”
Gerrard to rely on Bjorklund-backed Rangers star Helander in Champions League
Gerrard will likely rely on Bjorklund-backed Helander shielding Rangers into the Champions League group stage. The 28-year-old was rock solid and showed his class for the Ibrox side for much of last season.
Sure, he also had some off days and occasionally struggled for fitness. But Helander stood up for Rangers, especially in the Europa League Last 16 first-leg against Slavia Prague, stopping much of what the Czech side threw at him while scoring the equaliser.
Gerrard will want Rangers’ £3.5m signing from 2019 to now form a formidable wall with Goldson once more. The Gers have not reached the Champions League proper in 10-years, and will lay a marker down for their Scottish rivals by resetting the clock.
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