Scotland’s John Souttar shines as Rangers’ Soapy Struggles | OneFootball

One single Scotland match has shown supporters exactly what John Souttar can do when placed in a proper system. In Copenhagen the defender produced one of his finest displays as Scotland secured an impressive clean sheet. As Ibrox Noise noted the notion shines through here because it highlights the difference between the national team and the mess under Russell Martin. Supporters saw a composed and aggressive centre half who cleared everything in sight. Souttar proved he can still thrive at the highest level when his manager sets the right shape. John Souttar shines for Scotland and not Rangers.

Souttar for Scotland

Against Denmark the Rangers defender stood tall. He made clearance after clearance and never shirked a single header. The hosts tried to batter Scotland down the middle but Souttar repelled it all. He even blocked shots and intercepted dangerous passes. The defensive unit worked as one and the Rangers man excelled at the heart of it. As Ibrox Noise reported Steve Clarke built a compact shape and the centre backs had clarity. Souttar looked like the player Rangers thought they signed. The performance left Scottish supporters in no doubt about his value.

Souttar for Rangers

The contrast at Ibrox is staggering. Under Russell Martin the same player is unrecognisable. Instead of authority and control we see hesitation and chaos. The defensive structure collapses every week. Souttar struggles to cover gaps created by poor tactics. His confidence drains because no partner seems settled. The manager cannot build stability and the back line pays the price. Rangers concede goals from basic positions because there is no coherent system. As Ibrox Noise observed fans watch in horror as the same international hero is reduced to a nervous wreck.

The Manager Problem

Martin carries the blame. Supporters know the talent exists because they watched Souttar dominate in Copenhagen. They also know that Rangers possess other strong defenders like Leon Balogun and Connor Goldson. Yet the manager insists on a system that leaves all of them exposed. He changes partnerships and throws players into confusion. As The Times put it Scotland prove that organisation matters more than individual flair. Reuters called it disciplined defending and Souttar thrived on that clarity. The keyphrase repeats because it underlines a truth Rangers fans cannot ignore. Russell Martin turns good defenders into poor ones. The proof lies in the same players shining for their country but struggling badly at Ibrox. Until the board remove him the defensive crisis will remain. John Souttar shines for Scotland and not Rangers. Fans have reached breaking point and the national team just reminded everyone why.