Rangers boss explains why Leon Balogun has played very few minutes this season

Rangers’ head coach, Philippe Clement, has mentioned the reason Nigerian defender, Leon Balogun has played very few minutes of football this season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 36-year-old suffered the same fate last season, recording very little game time in the first half of the season. An injury to one of the starters saw him get a run of games as the season winded down, which in turn saw him get a contract extension.

This season, the former Mainz 05 man has played just five games this season, accruing 190 minutes across all competitions for The Gers, and the coach revealed why, highlighting the starting defenders have been in good form and has been hard to break into.

“We also have Leon Balogun still there who knows his role in the squad and he was excellent in that way and showing quality in training. We have Nana (Neraysho Kasanwirjo) who can play centre-back, or Dujon (Sterling).

The (Propper and Souttar) partnership has been good, and it’s also important with new players, you create connections and a partnership so they can get to know each other.

You can add Jefte also in that way. Half of the defence is new. Our number six is new so you need to find the balance which is better and better,” the Belgian gaffer said in quotes revealed by Complete Sports.

While the defender might want to get more minutes under his belt, the manager will also be more careful about his management due to his age to avoid injuries.