Former Blackburn Robbers and Birmingham City midfielder Barry Ferguson has pointed out something that impressed him about Glasgow Rangers defender Leon Balogun, reports Soccernet.ng.
Balogun returned to the Rangers for a second term on July 12, 2023, one year after leaving as a free agent.
The Nigerian international won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup in his first appearance for Gers. He also played a key role in Rangers’ run to the UEFA Europa League final.
The 35-year-old central defender will be allowed to leave in 2022 after Rangers did not extend his expiring contract.
Balogun joined Queens Park Rangers in the summer, but struggled with fitness issues and only made 13 league appearances for the club.
However, the Super Eagles defender showed enough quality to persuade then-QPR coach Michael Beale to take him back to Rangers when he was appointed manager of the Light Blues.
Since his return to Rangers, Balogun has only been used as a substitute, with the former Mainz defender making five appearances.
Interestingly, Rangers won all of these matches and kept three clean sheets, with Balogun impressing in all of them.
Ferguson praised Balogun’s excellent performance and admitted he was surprised when Rangers parted ways with the former Brighton star in 2022.
The Rangers legend also pointed out that he is satisfied with Balogun’s serious defensive style and physical attributes.
“I like him, I like his personality, I like him as a player,” Ferguson said on the Go Radio Football Show, according to InsideFutball.
“He said he was surprised when Rangers sent him to QPR on a free transfer.”
“Leon Balogun won’t play every game, but he’s a great substitute.
“And I’ve been very impressed with him since he came back to the team.
“A lawyer of the facts. Big, strong, powerful, and very good with the ball.”
Balogun played a total of 70 games for the Rangers, scoring two goals and recording three assists.
The Super Eagles star could add to that record when Rangers travel to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen on Sunday afternoon.
