Steven Gerrard hails Serie A influence of 'positionally outstanding' Rangers defender

Filip Helander wins an aerial duel with Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo during his last season with Bologna before his move to Rangers in the summer of 2019. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

For Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, the impact men such as Roberto Donadoni, Filippo Inzaghi and Luigi Delneri had on the Swedish international defender throughout his time in the country of catenaccio is clear to see.

Helander’s display in the 1-0 win against Hibs at Easter Road on Wednesday night, as Rangers kept a 20th clean sheet in 26 Premiership matches so far this season, was of the rock-solid variety.

“Positionally, he is outstanding,” observed Gerrard. “You can see that he has been coached in Italy and has been around Italian coaches. He gets blocks in, important blocks, and positionally he is always spot-on.”

Filip Helander tussles with Hibs striker Christian Doidge during Rangers' 1-0 win at Easter Road on Wednesday night. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group).

A stand-up guy

Helander’s first season with Rangers, following his arrival from Bologna in a £3.5 million deal in the summer of 2019, was ended abruptly when he suffered a serious foot injury during the Betfred Cup Final defeat against Celtic at Hampden.

This season, he has been used on a rotational basis by Gerrard, alternating with Leon Balogun as the central defensive partner for ever-present Connor Goldson at the heart of Rangers’ remarkably consistent back four.

While Nigerian international Balogun is blessed with more pace than Helander, it is the man from Malmo who tends to get the call whenever Rangers face a more physical challenge from the opposition’s front men.

Filip Helander shuts out Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet at Easter Road as Rangers kept their 20th Premiership clean sheet of the season on Wednesday night. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

“It is the reason why we kept him in the team against Hibs, because he is one who will stand up,” added Gerrard.

“Over the course of the season, it is impossible to ask Fil to play every game and sometimes we have pushed him too hard and he has had a niggle on the back of that. It is the same with Leon.

“We will manage that situation and it is a bit like horses for courses and whatever we feel we need in the circumstances.

“Fil was outstanding against Hibs, with some of the blocks and putting his body on the line. He is so low maintenance as a guy and a professional and the rest of the players here love him.”

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and his players have a free weekend after the postponement of their Scottish Cup tie against Cove Rangers. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

Midfield masterclass

While Gerrard’s defenders naturally take much of the credit for Rangers’ exceptional clean sheet record, he is quick to point to the contribution of those in front of them in making his team so unyielding in their pursuit of the title this season.

Ryan Jack, starting for the first time after his return from a two-month injury lay-off, looked as if he had never been away as he orchestrated proceedings in midfield along with Glen Kamara and Steven Davis.

“Wow, what a performance (from Ryan Jack),” said Gerrard. “I thought all three midfielders played like international players.

“Glen Kamara, on a pitch as bobbly as that, to put in a technical performance like that, was outstanding. Steven Davis was covering, playing with experience and leading by example.

“But Ryan Jack showed why I had the faith to start him after him being out for a little while. That’s what I see on a daily basis, that’s why I’ve got so much trust in him.

“All of the subs we used came on and also played their part in helping us get the victory and keep the clean sheet.

“It’s difficult as a sub, getting your second wind and having to run a lot for the team. But Kemar Roofe was strong, brave and held it up for us. Cedric Itten did the same and Bongani Zungu again showed why we brought him in. He’s physical, he’ll get up to people, he’s in their faces. He gives us that aggression and you can’t afford to be passive against quality teams like Hibs.

“I think over the season we have shown our maturity (in games like these). It’s an area we need to keep building upon.

“We have a lot of international players who have played a lot of football. I want to see that communication and leadership in their voices.

“I’m demanding a lot from them at the moment and that’s why I want to praise them. Because we can give them a game plan but they are going out and doing it, delivering performances we are asking for.

“Our decision making, especially towards the end of games - we are making better and more sensible decisions.”

No January blues

January has proved to be a profitable month for Rangers with four wins and a draw from their five league games allowing them to open up a 23-point lead over Celtic at the top of the table.

“I would have preferred us not to drop any points and I think if we had come to the game a bit quicker against Motherwell in the 1-1 draw at Fir Park, we might have got maximum points there,” said Gerrard.

“But look, we are not going to win every single game and we are not going to pass every single challenge in the league. It is at the stage of the season where the pitches are getting a bit more challenging and testing, the schedule is tough, European football is going to start again and that is the reason why we are not going to get carried away.

“There is a lot of football to be played and the challenges are going to come thick and fast. The squad and the players have moved forward so much and improved so much so hopefully we are prepared for what is coming.”

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