- Rangers defeated Dundee United 4-2 at the weekend to keep pressure on Hearts
- The game highlighted John Souttar as a weakness in the backline
- The Gers must buy defensive reinforcements in the summer transfer window
Despite Rangers winning 4-2 against Dundee United at the weekend, it was a nightmare day for John Souttar.
Souttar, who’s faced his own fitness troubles, replaced Manny Fernandez, who has been on international duty with Nigeria.
The Scot had a lot to live up to at the weekend, with Fernandez becoming one of the most talked about defenders in Europe.
Instead, Souttar looked well off the pace, and it was lucky the Gers had enough firepower to secure the three points.
Goals from Ryan Naderi, Dujon Sterling, Thelo Aasgaard, and Bojan Miovski helped keep pressure on Hearts.
Souttar recently signed a one-year deal with the club, but is his time up already?
The Rangers board is willing to invest in improving the squad, and central defence must be prioritized.
Souttar’s troublesome display
The Scotland international was at fault for Dundee United’s opening goal on the stroke of halftime.
Souttar should have seen Amar Fatah down the line, but instead, he allowed him inside to let off a shot beyond Butland.
On Saturday, Souttar failed to make one tackle and one interception in the contest.
He lost the ball seven times and only won three of his aerial duels.
It was fortunate for Danny Rohl and Rangers that the attack was on song and firing at Ibrox.
The fans also had their say on his display.
“3 points. Top of the table. Statement of intent. p.s. – Don’t play a Souttar again.”
“Start Miovski, the only clinical finisher we have, bin Souttar for life.”
“Massive 3 points. Rohl must bench Souttar for the rest of the season, though.”
An area that needs improving
The 49ers ownership group, and specifically Andrew Cavenagh, is willing to invest in the team this summer.
We have already identified a few areas to improve, but central defence must be a priority.
However, with Manny Fernandez being linked to a Premier League move and Nasser Djiga going back to Wolverhampton Wanderers, reinforcements are needed.
Souttar would be the only experienced centre back on the books if they are to leave in the summer.
If that’s the case, judging on recent months, the Gers will struggle to compete for anything next season.
Read Rangers analysis
Last weekend’s win against Dundee United showed that John Souttar isn’t the starting defender that Rangers crave.
The game signalled the importance of emerging superstar Manny Fernandez in the backline.
The Gers must recruit some defensive reinforcements as a top priority.
