why Clement’s impressed about John Souttar Rangers injury journey

It took John Souttar time, well more than half a season, to overcome injury issues after arriving at Rangers in the summer of 2022 from Hearts.

Philippe Clement, who like those who came before him this season, has an injury crisis at the club, he has continued to be unavailable, although the 27-year-old has not spent much time on the treatment table. Physically, Souttar is in the best shape he’s been in a long time.

Due to availability, Souttar seemed for stretches at his former club to never reach his obvious talent. The Scotland international is now reaping the rewards of last season’s medical staff’s patience as he fights for a berth in Clement’s squad and a trip to EURO 2024. At Ibrox, the current challenge is to match minutes with consistency and availability.
As the Rangers left for La Manga for their winter break warm-weather training, he stated, “I think in the last year I’ve been available for almost every game.”

It’s been incredibly beneficial for me personally, although there may be one or two that I have missed. It’s just a matter of being fit and doing everything that keeps me on the field because I feel good and my body feels good.

“I wasn’t hurried this time last year when I was just recovering from an injury. The medical staff was very thorough and patient with me. They are probably to blame for my fast recovery from several injuries in the past. Over the past year, I’ve felt great, and I hope it keeps up.

Rangers go to Spain with newfound vigor. Although an Old Firm setback on the cusp of the New Year halted some momentum, Clement’s appointment has catalysed an upturn few would’ve expected when Aberdeen inflicted a third league defeat in eight league games last October.

There is enough to prepare and play for, including a League Cup already secured, a Europa League last-16 match to look forward to, and a reopened title race. Even if Souttar’s number of appearances has decreased from Michael Beale’s, he is still committed to doing his share and seizing opportunities when they present themselves.

“Having some time off during the winter break was nice, but everyone’s attention is now on getting back to work,” he continued.

“A lot has transpired since the season began, so it feels like a long time has passed. However, the campaign ended on a high note, and the team is now truly cohesive, which I believe you will witness going forward.

When the manager initially arrived, he was rather straightforward. He said that he would use each person in turn, with individuals coming in and going out.

“During that last period, we had so many games that everyone had to contribute.” The manager wants to operate that manner, and I believe it has been successful. There is competition for every position these days, and you understand that you must perform to stay in the game.

Up until the match against Celtic on December 30, Clement had gone 16 games without a loss while operating under less than ideal conditions. John Lundstram, Nico Raskin, Danilo, and Tom Lawrence are just a handful of the players who were absent from games while others participated. Ross McCausland was moved up from the B squad to the main team, Kieran Dowell returned from injury, and Dujon Sterling was transformed into a wandering midfielder.

For the Belgian manager to salvage this season, the team needed to buy in soon. Souttar claims to have accomplished precisely that, but how?

“I believe that everyone gave their best effort because they all supported the manager’s intentions. Others have been playing on with knocks and niggles, and people are playing out of position,” he continued.

“I believe that we are all moving in the path that he desires, which is proper. Playing a lot of games can lead to injuries, and many boys push themselves above their comfort zone.

“Listen, the management is teaching everyone new things. There are absolutely no gray areas since he is clear about what he wants and has given clarity. Not to mention, everyone is aware of his desires and appropriate behavior.

He has also instilled that winning mindset since he demands it on a daily basis. Everyone is aware of the requirements to play for him. At Rangers, it should be all about establishing and upholding those standards. There must be standards both on and off the field, and he makes it clear that everyone must meet them.

He exercises frequently and believes that football should be played in a certain way. Not only are the center backs benefiting from him, but players in every position are as well.

Logic dictates that more minutes must be accrued between now and the end of the campaign in order to contend for a starting position in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad this summer. When chosen, Souttar has frequently played on the left side of defense, unless he is covering for Connor Goldson, a constant member of the squad and the Rangers’ vice captain.

Ben Davies has often filled in for Europa League games, but Leon Balogun has recently been Clement’s first pick to Goldson at the center of defense. Along with many others in Europe this summer, Souttar is competing not only for a good club season but also for a spot on the June flight to Germany.

“Everyone knows that the summertime European Championships are approaching. others who can be active and others who wish to be involved. But between now and then, you can only be involved if you do well for your club,” he continued.

“I have to perform for the Rangers first and foremost. Everything will take care of itself after that. Hopefully, I will participate if I am playing and winning games here.

We discussed the length of the season and how conditions can alter. The Euros are still six months away, so anything can happen. I must therefore do well for my team. must be on it; to participate, I must be in good health, be at the top of my game, and be fit.

“I’m focusing entirely on achieving that and making the Rangers successful. I am aware that if I take that action, I will be involved in the summer.

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