As a founding member of the Filip Helander fan club, the recent swell in appreciation for the Big Swede has filled my heart with an almost father like pride.
His winning goal in last week’s Old Firm was a huge moment in his career which has been matched by beating Spain in a World Cup qualifying game for his country in which he played an integral part alongside Victor Lindelof at the heart of the defence.
Some Rangers fans didn’t take to Helander immediately given his awkward style of running and almost old school defending, what he is though, is effective, a reason why Steven Gerrard does everything he can to protect him and keep him available as often as possible despite the player himself admitting that he has been on pain killers almost every day since his early twenties.
Gers – and Sweden – fans reacted to Helander’s performance with equal pride, glad that he is finally getting the recognition that his defending deserves:
Helander när han kommer hem ikväll.. pic.twitter.com/aSNfCTAlFd
— Anton Niklasson (@anton_Nikasson) September 2, 2021
Old Firm winner and pocketing Spain in the same week?
Easy work for big Fil 🚬 pic.twitter.com/BosorepOFF
— Pena_Cartel (@Pena_Cartel) September 2, 2021
He’s just simply a really, REALLY good defender!
— Ollie North (@north_oli) September 2, 2021
It’s a very simple equation – play Helander, win the vast majority of your games.
Fact. https://t.co/b9wVTjYPiD
— Alexander Staff (@strider80) September 2, 2021
Big up commander Helander
— BrownShoes72 (@ColinLawrie5) September 2, 2021
Man of the match tonight against Spain, Filip Helander👏🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/OGyy1avpIq
— Midfield Jack (@MidfieldJack) September 2, 2021
We are a poorer side without Helander in it so, hopefully, Gerrard can keep him fit and healthy for as long as possible, it’s just shame that he can’t play as often as his partner Connor Goldson, I suppose the other teams have to be given a chance.