“He Looks Like A Real Leader” – Liverpool Great, Daglish Applauds Nigerian Defender, Balogun

The former Wigan defender was not involved in midweek as Rangers crashed out of the Europa League but his performance last weekend continues to earn him rave review

English and Scottish football great Sir Kenny Daglish has hailed Super Eagles and Rangers centre-back Leon Balogun as a ‘real leader’ following his remarkable debut display at Aberdeen on Game Week 1 of the Scottish league season.

Balogun only joined the Gers from administration-hit Wigan Athletic on July 24 after his best efforts couldn’t help the embattled Championship side avoid relegation at the end of last season.

Barely a week later, manager Steven Gerrard handed the 32-year-old his first cap in a tricky away tie at the Pittodrie Stadium.

No worries, though, as the Nigerian defender delivered an assured and classy display to lift Rangers to a 1-0 win, earning himself a place in the league’s Team of the Week.

Scotland national team’s joint-record goal-scorer and one of Liverpool’s finest ever strikers, Daglish was left impressed with the ability of the former Mainz star.

“At the back, there appears to be no settling in period required for Balogun,” Daglish told The Sunday Post.

“He was very effective away to Aberdeen last week, and helped the team to a clean sheet. He looks like a real leader.”

Bayer Leverkusen defeated Rangers 1-0 in Germany to dump Gerrard’s side out of the Europa League on Wednesday.

Still, Balogun will hope to help the Gers back to winning ways when the side host St. Mirren on Sunday afternoon.