This morning’s big debate is Calvin Bassey v Erling Haaland.
Rangers’ young CB has suggested he wants the opportunity, if the Norwegian plays on Thursday, to face the world’s best striker.
Ok, so Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe would have something to say about that, but Haaland is a force of nature with stats which eclipse both of these luminary peers, so he’s got a strong case for this one.
But this is getting away from the point – does Bassey deserve the chance if Haaland does make it?
Let’s face it, the reality is you need your best players, especially up against someone of the former Salzburg star’s quality, and Bassey, as well as he’s done overall as a CB, isn’t up to the level needed when we look at the overall picture.
Of course, that’s down for Gio to agree or disagree with, but surely few would disagree that Leon Balogun is the superior CB?
With no Filip Helander in this competition, it’s either Balogun or Bassey.
And of course we’ll trust whatever the manager chooses, he didn’t do half bad on Thursday (with mostly a selection we’d picked ourselves, naturally) but on paper and on the pitch, Balogun surely would stand a stronger chance, if he’s fit, to combat Haaland.
In truth, it barely matters – few defenders in the world can stop the 21-year old, so whether it’s Balogun or Bassey, Rangers will have their work cut out regardless.
But all part of the fun, isn’t it…
The fact Bassey and Borna were both starters against Dortmund gave me the absolute fear leading up to kick off. Bassey had his best game in that position by far, I would give him his chance he has most certainly earned. I would still rather Balogun against Haaland, but I won’t be any where near as worried as I was last week. Borna rolled back the years to that bandaged and bloodied Osijek warrior that played against us. Easliy his best performance since he broke down after the old firm thinking he was off. Was gutted for him winning that superb tackle in the box against the 17yr old (probs their best player) and falling to Guerriero to asist Bellingham. Been too long since hea flew into tackles like that
Both have good pace, Bassey prob stronger physically, but Balogun better defender overall.
The important thing is we must be set up properly, clearly Germans have to attack but we must try to keep the ball And stifle their play at least up to half time, if we are 0-1 down at half time we must not chase the game, for too long we shoot ourselves in the foot by chasing games and goals, longer it goes I can see us getting a few chances for El Buffalo who has improved his game and attitude, very pleased with my team, results not gone our way recently!
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