What a night that lies ahead for Rangers’ Borna Barisic against Borussia Dortmund.
The Croatian international was struggling for form recently and that was compinded spectacularly against Celtic when he was fortunate not to be hooked in the first half, such was the poor level of his display, encapsulated by Liel Abada’s goal.
Since then, he has come back into the side thanks to Leon Balogun’s injury and then got a start on Saturday against Annan in the Scottish Cup. He is expected to retain his place for tonight’s Europa League knock out round first leg in the magnificent Westfalenstadion.
No doubt, there will be pressure on him to find the levels that he is capable of – this is the classic sink or swim situation.
Aware
Marco Rose and his backroom staff at Dortmund will have done their homework, they will know of the recent weakness of Barisic and his inability to prevent a cross.
We all want our man to solidify and to give a true representation of his ability even if he is not abe to get forward as much under Gio van Bronckhorst compared to the preference of Steven Gerrard.
With Fil Helander fit again and Balogun not too far away, Bassey has proven himself capable on the left flank so the position is very much up for grabs. Barisic should be very cognisant of this and there is no better place to make a statement of intent than under the lights in the famous old German stadium this evening.