Helander vs Balogun

[nik2402 1,318]

I’m left baffled when I see these two even compared to each other like they are in the same level. Am I the only one who doesn’t understand it?

Keep hearing Balogun has pace. Which is true. But there’s a reason he has to use it and that’s because he’s constantly out of position. His first booking is at the right back position. 

Not saying we’d have won with Helander starting but think Gerrards made a mistake with the selection tonight. 

[stuart1994 4,302]

Balogun has a half yard pace over Helander that’s it. Helander every time for me much the better player. 

[siamthedanger 2,847]

No even a debate. Helander the better defender. 

[left winger 14,125]

Helander with Balogun's pace would be nice, but despite that Helander was still motm last week. Surprised he didn't play tonight. 

[RFC55 108,733]

Only one winner 

[KingKirk 25,605]

Was carrying a knock according to Gerrard 

[ElBufalo20 7,875]

Need to merge them. Helander has zero pace but can read the game and is a much better defender by miles.

To be fair Gerrard said he was slightly injured 

[The Specky Forum Organiser 64,471]

Night and day

[SIRB_72 3,987]

Helander.

[The Specky Forum Organiser 64,471]

He's not quick but Helander isn't as slow as made out

[the brown brogue 1,909]

Helander has a calming presence on the whole defence, but if he had an injury tonight then I'm not sure what else Gerrard could have done. Nobody would have expected Balogun to have such a nightmare performance. 

[sco22y 280]

Davie Weir was slower than Helander when he played with us. Positioning and reading of the game beats, having to use pace, to cover your lack of defensive mind-set or inexperience. Helander to start on Sunday. 

[stuart1994 4,302]

I’m surprised Helander doesn’t kick about the park on a zimmer the way some bang on about how “slow” he is. 

[Billy1984 6,314]

Gerrard said helander had a niggle before the game. I like balogun but prefer helander. I actually think goldson looks more assured with helander beside him aswell.

[Raligt 2,541]

Was very surprised when i saw the team lineup that helander was left out.

Didnt think he had a bad game last week. Gerrard maybe thought Sima had him for pace

[Prso's headband 35,347]

It’s always Helander over Balogun, always. Too much tinkering 

[ScottBF2 3,540]

In games where we’re going for a high press Balogun is going to be favoured. Gerrard might change it up now, but he lets us get on the front foot quicker and leave more space in behind.

 

Personally I prefer Helander though.

[AGM_72 3,614]

Balogun is good, Helander is better. 

[BlueKnight87 17,281]

Helander is the better player by far. Together with Goldson our best defense pair. 

[superallysbears 7,572]

Helander for me no contest, if he was injured then fair enough but he should have played if available.

[CoplandRoad83 3,241]

Goldson looks much better along side Helander.

Helander has much better positional sense.

He's the better defender.

[BlueThunder 8,452]

13 minutes ago, KingKirk said:

Was carrying a knock according to Gerrard 

And therein this thread is stopped in its tracks.

[kanjo 26,327]

I said if after our St. mirren defeat. 
 

and then Motherwell 1-1. 
 

Balogun is our number 3. Possibly 4th depending on others. He is good for at least one mistake per game and tonight shows me his level against a comparable quality team in Europe. 
 

massively over rated by so many. 

[bluenoz 30,689]

Helander needs to start throwing shit in the dressing room when he gets dropped and show his anger.

There was no rhyme or reason behind this tonight.

And I will say it for the last time- he isn't slow!

[steven33jackie 1,917]

Balogun is a decent player and has played well in games. Tonight he had a bit of a nightmare and the time he wanted on the ball was a worry from the get go. But both center half's tonight looked out of sorts and some of the balls forward took an age to happen. It's hard to tell when watching on TV if it's down to a lack of movement up front.