Scotland is back to playing like the team that should be playing with so many players from the Premier League and Serie A.
But at the core of their comeback is a well-known figure who has excelled for his nation throughout the last two international vacations.
Perhaps the only reason John Souttar was called up was because of injuries to players like Ryan Porteous and Jack Hendry, but the Rangers center-half won over even the most uncooperative commentator, Michael Stewart.
Michael Stewart commended John Souttar for his performance for Scotland.
Souttar put in the effort and tried to hold their Nations League rivals at bay in what became into a basketball match between Scotland and Poland, with opportunities at both ends of the pitch.
Stewart talked about how “outstanding” Souttar had been since rejoining the starting lineup during a lull in the first half on YouTube. When asked what specific attribute the 28-year-old offered to the defence, Stewart replied, “He reads the game really well.”
With Poland aiming for an equaliser and Scotland seeking a second, Souttar’s troubles didn’t finish there. The Rangers No. 5 blocked a goal after Craig Gordon was beaten:
“What a block, John Souttar! That’s quite amazing,” Stewart exclaimed.
“John Souttar takes a bow, top drawer defending there; that block is as good as a goal.”
Then, Souttar went one step further and sent a beautiful cross for Andy Robertson to score the game-winning goal for Scotland.
Stewart called the Gers defender’s outstanding performance this time “exquisite.”
How can Souttar win over Rangers supporters?
After a challenging start to his Ibrox career, Souttar has been Rangers’ most reliable defender for the past two seasons, although he still occasionally loses focus.
With a poor pass-back to Jack Butland in the final game before the international break, Souttar almost lost his team a goal. It was a straightforward scenario with little pressure that nearly resulted in an equaliser being given up.
He would have a good chance of winning the captain’s armband if he could eliminate those errors from his play.
Souttar is capable of putting on outstanding performances, just as he has for Scotland; now, he must do so against Celtic, when it counts most.
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