Philippe Clement’s decision to drop Robin Propper proved spot-on in a brilliant victory over Kilmarnock.
The Dutch defender was among several players left out of Clement’s starting XI for the clash at Ibrox on 4 December, against a team that had previously beaten the Gers 1-0 in October.
Leon Balogun, 36, was brought into the defense, and as Billy Dodds noted on BBC Sportsound (4 December, 19:54), it was the right move.
“Defensively there are frailties with Robin Propper,” he said.
“The last time they played Kilmarnock he got bullied by Kyle Vassell and taken off, so I can understand why they’ve gone with Leon Balogun.”
Those predictions were emphatically validated as Rangers delivered a stunning 6-0 victory, their best performance of the season.
With pivotal matches still ahead, every game for Rangers carries a sense of unease, as evidenced by their last encounter with Kilmarnock before this dominant display. It highlights a challenge Brendan Rodgers and Celtic haven’t faced this season, which explains why Rangers are in a position of catch-up.
Clement’s bold team selection against Kilmarnock was largely supported by fans eager to see an entertaining and commanding Light Blues side, rather than one struggling in matches they should comfortably win.
Rangers responded with an attacking masterclass, albeit against modest opposition, as they cruised to a six-goal triumph. Clement’s tactical changes were rewarded, earning him well-deserved praise.
The win sets the stage for a crucial run of six games before year-end, including a European clash with Tottenham at Ibrox on 12 December and the Scottish League Cup final against Celtic on 15 December.
Maintaining strong form is now essential as Rangers approach these high-stakes fixtures.
