'Super Important' - Nils Koppen names Rangers player he wants to stay at Ibrox for a long time

Nils Koppen has named John Souttar as a player he wants to stay at Rangers for years to come.

Speaking to the Rangers Review [15 October], Koppen claimed Souttar is one of the players in the Gers squad who “understands the DNA” of the club and is consequently important to long-term progress.

Koppen was discussing the need for stability throughout the squad and experienced leaders for new arrivals to look up to, to understand the meaning and identity of representing the club.

“Of course, you need some of these guys, like John Souttar, to stay for a long time at the club. Guys who understand the DNA of the football club and can pass that knowledge onto new players,” he said.

“That’s super important. But 80 per cent of these players who move to the club should come with the ambition to go.

“Ultimately, that is only achieved by winning and progressing so that everyone can benefit – the club and the player.”

John Souttar to stay at Rangers

Given that Souttar only signed at Ibrox in 2022, it is a testament to the defender that he is considered one of the senior statesmen in Philippe Clement’s squad.

Part of that is down to the high turnover in players over the past few transfer windows, with several experienced heads having departed at the end of last season, some commanding zero remuneration for the club.

Beyond the obvious dressing room influences such as James Tavernier, Jack Butland and Tom Lawrence, Souttar ranks among the leading voices at Rangers to rally the side.

He represents the Scotland national team and has played his entire senior career to date in the Scottish Premiership, making him well equipped in how to progress and succeed, as well as experiencing plenty of footballing hardship.

When his brother Harry, an Australian international, first moved to England back in 2016 it could have been tempting to join him, but he remained north of the border and is now an established Light Blue who holds a significant impact on and off the pitch.

In other Rangers news, Dan Plumley discusses how the club may have settled with Ianis Hagi over his contract.

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