Since he joined Rangers, Leon Balogun has consistently been our back-up centre-half used in rotation alongside Connor Goldson, we knew what he offered and we felt safe with his name on the team-sheet, exactly what you want from a man in his position.
Outstanding performances in Europe and in Old Firm derbies made him even more popular, as did his natural laid back personality and charm, which made many think that he would be around for another year, however, the decision to let him go caught many by surprise.
What this does mean though is that someone else will get an opportunity.
With 65 appearances over the last two seasons, there is a big gap to fill in the heart of the defence, Filip Helander isn’t capable of playing every week and neither should John Souttar be risked to that extent, Leon King looks like he will get an increase in game time but there is another option.
Both James Sands and John Lundstram played alongside Goldson this season and it is something that I would expect to see again, in games that we dominate possession, having another passer and player capable of building from the back would be a huge asset, both can handle themselves physically too.
Teams like Barcelona and Bayern Munich have successful used this system and Pep Guardiola is never shy from playing a midfielder at the back and, with a natural organiser in Goldson, most of the defending is done on the half way line anyway, comfortable territory for two players who spend most of their time putting to fires in the engine room.
Van Bronckhorst is not afraid to tinker and against a low block, we could well see the plan B that has been our Achilles heel from time to time in recent years.