Chris Sutton has rarely been shy about his disdain for Rangers, but the former England striker’s latest comments suggest even he can’t ignore the club’s current momentum. After two consecutive defeats to Celtic—matches that would once have been met with derision—even the most hardened Govan haters have been forced to acknowledge that Derek McInnes’ side is playing with a newfound purpose. And at the heart of that resurgence, Sutton has identified one player whose development has stood out above the rest.
The target of his praise is an English left-back who joined Rangers in January and has already carved out a role in Ferguson’s backline. His defensive solidity, tactical awareness, and ability to contribute in transition have been the subject of growing admiration—not just from the Ibrox faithful, but from figures outside the club. Zinedine Zidane, whose eye for talent is rarely wrong, has publicly noted the player’s ‘signs of a great one,’ a remark that underscores the scale of his potential. For Sutton, though, it’s not just the technical attributes that matter—it’s the intangibles. The way he reads the game, the confidence he brings to the defence, and the fact that he’s already earning the trust of Ferguson’s coaching staff. ‘He’s done enough to turn heads,’ Sutton observed, ‘but the best is yet to come.’
The significance of this signing extends beyond individual brilliance. Rangers and Celtic are the twin giants of Scottish football, clubs whose history is defined by rivalry and dominance. Both have spent decades shaping the game north of the border, and their summer battles are always more than just matches—they’re cultural touchstones. That this player, a summer addition, is already influencing the narrative suggests Rangers are building something more than a temporary resurgence. The club’s scouting network has been active, with Manchester United’s staff tracking his progress closely, a detail that hints at the player’s long-term appeal. Whether it’s his defensive versatility, his ability to dictate play from the left, or simply the way he elevates those around him, his impact is undeniable.
Yet for all the praise, the question remains: how sustainable is this form? Rangers’ recent results have been a welcome change, but Scottish football’s unpredictable nature means no team is immune to slumps. The player in question has been steady, but his true test will come in the high-pressure moments—derbies, cup ties, and the final stretch of the season. If he continues to develop at this pace, he could become the cornerstone of a backline that has long been a weak point for the club. For Sutton, that would be more than enough to justify the investment. ‘He’s not just filling a role,’ he said. ‘He’s redefining it.’ The next chapter for Rangers—and for this player—will be written in the coming months, but for now, the signs are undeniably promising.
