“No-nonsense defender” – Ex-Birmingham City star points out what impresses him about Rangers’ Leon Balogun

Former Blackburn Robers and Birmingham City midfielder Barry Ferguson has pointed out the things that have impressed him about Glasgow Rangers defender Leon Balogun, Soccernet.ng reports

Balogun returned to Rangers on July 12, 2023, for a second spell, a year after departing as a free agent.

The Nigeria international won the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup in his first stint with the Gers. He also played a crucial role in helping Rangers reach the final of the UEFA Europa League.

The 35-year-old centre-back was, however, allowed to leave in 2022 when Rangers failed to extend his expiring contract.

Balogun joined Queens Park Rangers that summer but struggled with fitness issues and only made 13 league appearances for the club.

But the Super Eagles defender showed enough quality to convince then-QPR coach Michael Beale to take him back to Rangers when he was appointed as the Light Blues’ manager.

Since his return to Rangers, Balogun has only been used as a backup option, with the former Mainz defender playing five games.

Interestingly, Rangers have won all those matches and kept clean sheets in three, with Balogun impressing in all.

Ferguson has hailed Balogun for his excellent performances, admitting that he was baffled when Rangers parted ways with the former Brighton star in 2022.

The Rangers legend also pointed out that he has been pleased with Balogun’s no-nonsense defending style and physical attributes.

“I like him, I like the way he comes across and I like him as a player,” Ferguson said on the Go Radio Football Show, as per InsideFutball.

“I said that when Rangers let him go down to QPR on a free transfer, I was surprised.

“Leon Balogun is not going to play every single game, but he is a brilliant backup.

“And since he has come back to the team, I have been so impressed with him.

“No-nonsense defender; big, strong, powerful and he is pretty decent on the ball.”

Balogun has made 70 appearances in total for Rangers, scoring two goals and managing three assists.

The Super Eagles star could add to that tally when Rangers head to Pittodrie on Sunday afternoon to take on Aberdeen.