John Souttar’s International Excellence Highlights Defensive Potential Amid Rangers’ Struggles

Recent International Success

John Souttar has recently demonstrated his defensive capabilities with a remarkable performance for Scotland in Copenhagen, where he produced one of his finest displays, helping secure an impressive clean sheet.

The Herald awarded Souttar an impressive 8/10 rating for his performance, highlighting his crucial blocks throughout the match. The statistics speak volumes about his impact, as he and defensive partner Grant Hanley combined for 16 clearances and won 10 duels, effectively frustrating the home crowd.

Club Career Context

Having made 104 appearances for Rangers, Souttar has generally been considered one of their better defenders, though some errors have recently crept into his game. At the international level, the 28-year-old has earned 16 caps for Scotland, typically impressing when representing his country.

The timing of his international success is particularly significant as it comes during a challenging period for Rangers, who entered the international break winless in four Scottish Premiership games.

Statistical Overview

In his recent UEFA Champions League appearances, Souttar has maintained impressive statistics: across 4 matches played, he has averaged 90 minutes per game, completed 5 tackles, and maintained a 79% passing accuracy. His defensive contributions include an average of 3 balls recovered per match.

Future Prospects

The defender faces increased competition at Rangers following Derek Cornelius’s arrival, but his strong showing for Scotland demonstrates his ability to respond positively to criticism. The key challenge now lies in transferring this international form consistently to his club performances.

Under Scotland manager Steve Clarke’s compact tactical setup, Souttar has shown the qualities that initially attracted Rangers to sign him. His recent national team performance has reinforced Scottish supporters’ belief in his value as a defender.