Rangers centre-back Leon Balogun was given a surprise start ahead of George Edmundson in the 1-0 win against Aberdeen this afternoon.
The 32-year-old only joined on a free transfer from Brighton last week but manager Steven Gerrard put him straight in the deep end at Pittodrie.
Balogun looked assured in possession and was a calming presence at the back to help the Gers keep a clean sheet. When asked for their man of the match, many fans on Twitter plumped for the defender:
Balogun. Outstanding debut.
— Paul T (@HamptonCaught) August 1, 2020
big leon he’s gonna be proper good
— el buffalo 2.0 (@bigbuff2020) August 1, 2020
The new CB … Strong & confident … plays the easy ball out
— JonnyBelfast70 (@JonnyBelfast1) August 1, 2020
Balogun.
— Bedrock001 (@Bedrock0011) August 1, 2020
Big Leon . MOTM for me today.
— Jim Wood 64 (@JimWood64) August 1, 2020
Leon looks good. Hagi wasted on the wing
— Norris Cole (@Norriscole1235) August 1, 2020
Balogun easily
— GaryR1872 (@GaryR_1872) August 1, 2020
The Nigerian is match sharp having come into the game off the back of his games for Wigan Athletic in the Championship over the past couple of months.
Balogun’s most noticeable characteristic was his refusal to hit the ball long, and he was always looking to pass into midfield, rather than looking for a safe option. It’s only one match so we haven’t got much to judge him off but it was certainly a very promising debut.