Rangers youngster Leon King admits it has been a “tough” season for him personally, and frustrating on a team front as Celtic retained the Scottish Premiership title.
The 20-year-old started in Tuesday’s 5-2 win over Dundee at Ibrox and struggled during the first half as the visitors took a two-goal lead.
From the standpoint of a supporter, King’s unimpressive performance at center-half was somewhat comprehensible given that he had played very little football all season. This was not only his first league appearance since before Christmas, but it was also his first start in a year.
On May 15, King said to The Herald, “It has been difficult, but everyone has been wonderful.”
“The players and coaching staff have been incredible to watch every day—yeah, football is hard, but that’s life.” You won’t play every minute of every game for the Rangers.
“[Philippe Clement] is a big believer in playing well and earning your chance. I will play anywhere for the team.”
Does Leon King have a future at Rangers?
It’s difficult to attach too much blame to King for his suspect performance against Dundee after so long out of the team.
With a run of momentum, the potential for the young man is certainly very high – he wouldn’t have a professional contract at a club like Rangers if not.
For a boy that ambitious, it will have been sickening for him to watch Celtic win the league this week without so much as a chance to impact the team in any meaningful way.
Clement was open at the start of this season about sending King out on loan, which in hindsight may have been beneficial for his development – and next season, the same question will arise.
Contracted until 2026 at Ibrox, the versatile defender could still have something to offer, but the Belgian coach has no choice but to be ruthless in his squad recruitment approach in a bid to tilt league success back to the blue side of Glasgow next term.
King may have a part to play in the upcoming Old Firm Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park, the first between Rangers and Celtic in the competition since 2002. And what an impact that could be.
