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News
Steven Gerrard hails Leon Balogun, claims Paul Cook raved about him
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has praised Leon Balogun, saying that he knew he was signing a top player before he signed him this summer.
Speaking to the club’s ahead of tomorrow’s game against St Johnstone, he was asked about the impact of the player who arrived from Brighton.
The boss also confirmed a chat with ex-Wigan manager Paul Cook confirmed his thoughts about the centre-back.
Cook has Football League experience with the Latics, Accrington, Chesterfield and Portsmouth and is something of a stalwart of the English lower leagues.
“We knew we were getting a top player in Balogun, he is our type and fits our profile and it’s important at Ibrox when a team is deep for a defender to be able to sit on the halfway line. I spoke to Paul Cook about him and he only had good things to say about Leon.”
Balogun penned terms with the Light Blues in July, signing a one-year deal with an option to extend that for a year.
If his early performances are anything to go by he could become a star at Rangers for years to come.
The 32-year-old has played 90 minutes in both of Rangers’ opening two games, helping Gerrard’s team to two clean sheets.
During the second half of last season, Balogun spent time at Wigan and helped them on their way to some blistering form.
Class
He played 11 times for the club as they lost just twice during the second half of the campaign.
Wigan were eventually relegated after administration meant that were forced to take a 12-point deduction, scuppering any hopes of a permanent deal.
The Latics’ loss is ultimately a gain for Rangers and Gerrard and Balogun looks like being a massive player for the club this season.