'Form of his career' - National media raves over what Rangers ace did on int'l duty

John Souttar is “in the form of his career” after the Rangers ace blew away the national media with his performance for Scotland in the 1-0 win against Croatia.

The 28-year-old played the full 90 minutes of the UEFA Nations League clash on Friday [15 November] as Scotland recorded their first win of the campaign.

Ben Doak’s cross was cleared into the path of John McGinn, who sent the home supporters into raptures with his 86th-minute strike, but the plaudits were deserved for Souttar who stepped up for his country on the night.

The Scotsman [15 November] awarded him a 9/10 rating, writing: “One of Scotland’s best players last month, the Rangers centre-half continued his excellent level against the Croats. He was very sound positionally and made a couple of key blocks. In the form of his career.”

The Herald [15 November] lowered his rating slightly to 8/10 and added: “The centre-back was commanding throughout and was one of the better performers. Souttar’s form this season has been superb and ropey all in the same breath.

“The best example of this is probably best portrayed in the way he pocketed Cristiano Ronaldo the last time out at Hampden, yet a matter of five days later was left floundering by Kilmarnock’s Marley Watkins as Rangers lost 1-0 at Rugby Park.

“Here, he started well in what was a testing time for the defence. He saw the ball out on a couple of occasions, while also clearing his lines to avert impending danger. Was fouled by Petar Sucic which led to Croatia’s red card.”

Edinburgh News [15 November], meanwhile, believed he deserved a more modest 7/10 rating, writing: “A composed figure in the backline. Important first-half block from Baturina’s effort. Made a number of timely interventions. Barged over by Caleta-Car which resulted in a red card.”

John Souttar is proving his worth to Scotland and Rangers

Souttar has been a shining light for Rangers this year amid the chaos and is fully established as a key member of Philippe Clement’s side.

While the Gers are essentially making up the numbers in the Scottish Premiership this season right now, sitting nine points adrift of Celtic and Aberdeen at the summit, Souttar has never once wavered in his commitment to the cause.

The centre-back knows all too well the importance of a successful Europa League run this term and his frustration following the 1-1 draw against Olympiacos, while supporters celebrated the result, is a testament to his desire to deliver a successful season at Ibrox.

Furthermore, he has been excelling for club and country. This is not the first time he has carried the national side on his back after going toe-to-toe with Cristiano Ronaldo in the last international break and earning a 0-0 draw against Portugal.

Clement will undoubtedly lean on his star defender in the coming weeks, knowing his future at Ibrox will be determined on a week-by-week basis.

His performance for the national side will only aid Rangers’ cause, and with pivotal European fixtures ahead against Nice and Tottenham, he will need to continue his stellar form.

In other Rangers news, a Robin Propper injury claim has emerged amid a recent scare for the Light Blues.

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