Leon King made his latest bold impression on Sunday with a starring role in Rangers 2-1 away win at Motherwell.
In a game that certainly failed to capture the imagination, there wasn’t much other than the victory itself, for the fans to cheer.
One aspect to be very positive about was the display of King who continues to defy his tender age with a presence and an assurance reflective of a player much older. The 18-year old is far from the finished article but his current contribution to the team is a significant one, which should grow as the weeks go on with his increased game time as a result of injuries to the other central defenders in Gio van Bronckhorst’s squad.
Alongside the silky Ben Davies, who is also forging an impressive start to his Rangers career, King is proving that he is the man for the moment which is a relief as he is needed just now.
He spoke very well after the game, reflecting on a sluggish but important win:
“At times it wasn’t pretty, but we came here, got the job done and got the three points in the end. I know I’m the young one in the team, but I am proud of the players today. We stood up, we were counted, and we got the win.”
“At a club like Rangers the expectation is to win, but that is what you need to do for the club, the manager and the fans especially.”
“Other than midweek, that is the first time I have played alongside Ben in a game in the Premiership – that was good and hopefully we can build something going forward.”
Patience
As much as Leon King is earning rave reviews for his performances at present, there needs to be an element of understanding of his situation.
At just 18 with limited experience of first team football, there will be some inconsistency as well as rash decisions to come from the central defender but he will also learn so much in this period.
Benefiting from injuries to Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Fil Helander as well as the departure of Leon Balogun, King has seized the open pathway and trust that has been bestowed upon him and in return for that faith, he is keeping up his end of the deal.
Long may it continue.