Graeme Souness and Simon Jordan have locked horns over Jack Butland’s performance following Rangers’ 3-0 Old Firm derby defeat to Celtic.
Philippe Clement’s Rangers suffered a significant blow in their bid for the Premiership title, falling further behind their Glasgow rivals with the loss at Parkhead on September 1. The defeat has intensified the scrutiny on the Belgian manager.
Despite a generally positive reception for Butland since his move to Rangers, his display in the derby left much to be desired. Jordan questioned whether any Rangers players, including Butland, would even make it into Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side.
He remarked, “Were there any of those Rangers players that would get in that Celtic side? If it is a striker phenomenon, do any of those Rangers players get in the Celtic side?”
In response, Souness defended Butland, asserting:
“The goalkeeper does.” This sparked a heated exchange, with Jordan challenging Souness on what made Butland stand out compared to Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel.
“What does that tell you, the goalkeeper that wasn’t battered and he picks the goalkeeper?” Jordan asked.
Souness countered, “Historically, he is a really good goalkeeper.”
Butland’s early performances this season have not lived up to the high expectations set during his previous campaign. His positioning during the derby was notably criticised, and his tendency to make numerous saves suggests ongoing defensive issues.
The debate over whether Butland is superior to Schmeichel may be somewhat academic, as goalkeepers alone rarely determine league titles.
The outcome of this season is more likely to hinge on the overall team performance rather than the individual prowess of their goalkeepers.
For Rangers, the priority now is to address their defensive frailties and enhance their attacking efficiency.
If the Light Blues can start converting chances more frequently, Butland may not need to be the standout performer in every match. After the international break, a revitalised Rangers side could be crucial in turning their season around and closing the gap on Celtic.