John Souttar Partner Confirmed as Rangers Boss Makes Bold Defensive Call | OneFootball

Rangers are in an interesting place right now when it comes to the backline. A few new decisions are being made and there is a degree of reshuffling going on. While not everything is entirely clear just yet there is a sense of what the defence may look like going forward. The new season will answer a few questions and while some fans remain unsure others are already making their minds up. But things do seem to be taking shape whether people are satisfied or not.

In terms of central defence John Souttar is very much expected to be a key man for Rangers again. The Scottish international was one of the few reliable figures last season and his reading of the game has generally been solid. He will now likely be partnered by Rangers’ new signing Emmanuel Hernandez who arrived from Peterborough United in a deal worth £3.5M. That number alone is a big pointer to his role in the starting eleven and Rangers will absolutely expect him to deliver on that investment. Regardless of what Peterborough fans may think and regardless of the reaction from many Rangers fans the price tag means he is not here to sit on the bench.

We recently explored why Rangers fans were surprised by Hernandez’s arrival. This was a player many did not expect and the general reaction was lukewarm. Peterborough supporters had labelled him deadwood and felt they had got a great deal offloading him. Even some of the Ibrox faithful were scratching their heads wondering why this was the target. But as with many signings it will be the pitch that tells the real story.

What is also key here is what happens to Leon King and Robin Propper. King has not really kicked on the way Rangers might have hoped and although he remains a talent his position is now very much as a backup. He is unlikely to be anywhere near first choice under Russell Martin unless things change dramatically. Robin Propper is an unknown quantity right now amid his potential exit but is he more as a squad option and rotational piece rather than a frontline defender? If anything happens to the main two he may get more minutes but it is hard to see him as anything other than a depth signing at present.

The reality is Rangers have put their chips on Hernandez and Souttar. That pairing will be expected to marshal the defence and take on the pressure of a long domestic campaign as well as Europe. While many fans are still unconvinced by the logic behind bringing Hernandez in and giving Peterborough a windfall the truth is this is now the plan. Russell Martin has made his choice and his job now depends on it working.

There are ongoing questions around defensive solidity and concerns raised about how Rangers keep conceding. But if Martin is placing his faith in this particular backline then it will be up to these four players to carry the weight. Rangers fans will be watching closely. Whether they like the idea or not the defence has been reshaped and there is no turning back now.