Mafeking St. 408 Posted October 13, 2020 Share Posted October 13, 2020 Leon Balogun lasted 57 minutes as Nigeria failed to beat Tunisia in Austria on Tuesday night, with the scoreline reading 1-1 come full time – but Nigeria supporters were impressed with the Rangers defender’s display. Balogun, 32, a summer signing at Rangers on a free transfer after leaving Brighton, started in central defence alongside former Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo. It was the German-born star’s 32nd cap for his country. In a pretty equal match, Nigeria probably should have been leading at half-time. Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring with a near-perfect turn – before curling the ball into the top left-hand corner. It should have been 2-0 moments later, only for Iheanacho to miss from the penalty spot. Tunisia took advantage, as Olympiacos defender Mohamed Drager equalised for his country – finishing into the roof of the net after a pull back. Balogun, though, impressed. He looked calm and assured in possession, but hungry and aggressive in his defending. He played the best part of the first 60 minutes before being replaced by Boavista’s Chidozie Awaziem. Many Nigeria fans applauded Balogun’s display and despite Nigeria’s side boasting talents such as Iheanacho, Everton’s Alex Iwobi and Nigierian legend Ahmed Musa – many supporters felt Rangers ace Balogun was their best player. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
piperpete 3,186 Posted October 14, 2020 Share Posted October 14, 2020 He won’t take any nonsense from that lot on Saturday and would let them know that they’re in a game Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelvd1873 7,262 Posted October 14, 2020 Share Posted October 14, 2020 I think balogun is tailor made for the old firm. I’d start him before helander tbh!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluenoz 31,060 Posted October 14, 2020 Share Posted October 14, 2020 Nice to hear he played well and came through injury free. He needs some game minutes. Still, it's Helander for me on Saturday although there is not much in it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GersInCanada 7,775 Posted October 14, 2020 Share Posted October 14, 2020 Balogun is a very good option as backup but he is not as good as Helander who has to be first pick if fit. For Saturday we have to stick with a partnership who have delivered so many clean sheets. Goldson and Helander with Balogun on the bench. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-Maestro 11,287 Posted October 14, 2020 Share Posted October 14, 2020 Great signing as a 3rd choice, Helander seems to be the type of player who people think is worse the longer he hasn't played.(The anti-Buffel) For me he's our best defender hands down. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Robot 21,374 Posted October 14, 2020 Share Posted October 14, 2020 I’m not sure why you would sub your supposedly best player during a match Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-Maestro 11,287 Posted October 14, 2020 Share Posted October 14, 2020 2 minutes ago, Bad Robot said: I’m not sure why you would sub your supposedly best player during a match It was a friendly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Robot 21,374 Posted October 14, 2020 Share Posted October 14, 2020 34 minutes ago, J-Maestro said: It was a friendly. cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sasap 204 Posted October 14, 2020 Share Posted October 14, 2020 Did he not come from Wigan? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
southcoastbear 1,639 Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 Good to hear he had a good match but I'd still go with Goldson and Helander against the mhanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevemac 5,017 Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 On 14/10/2020 at 16:38, Bad Robot said: I’m not sure why you would sub your supposedly best player during a match match fitness, giving younger players some minutes, plenty reasons bud. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Essandoh 21,228 Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 6 hours ago, southcoastbear said: Good to hear he had a good match but I'd still go with Goldson and Helander against the mhanks Is Helander fit? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
southcoastbear 1,639 Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 2 minutes ago, Essandoh said: Is Helander fit? Did he no pull out of Sweden squad with a light injury about a week ago so I was thinking he was but pre-match should be soon so hopefully gaffer will update if they clowns in Scottish media no to busy asking him questions about Liverpool. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Robot 21,374 Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 47 minutes ago, stevemac said: match fitness, giving younger players some minutes, plenty reasons bud. Yes, J-M posted it was a friendly so made sense Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leeds_Bear 8,114 Posted October 16, 2020 Share Posted October 16, 2020 On 14/10/2020 at 16:33, J-Maestro said: Great signing as a 3rd choice, Helander seems to be the type of player who people think is worse the longer he hasn't played.(The anti-Buffel) For me he's our best defender hands down. I think it's because he never really does anything that stands out, but he goes about his business very well - he's quiet and assured. Wouldn't mind either Helander or Balogun starting on Saturday for different reasons. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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