QPR supporters must be scratching their heads after recent impact of Rangers FC player | OneFootball

Leon Balogun continues to impress for Rangers, despite his struggles at QPR a few years ago.

It has been a whirlwind first month for Barry Ferguson at Rangers, after the former player was named as interim boss at Ibrox following Phillipe Clement’s sacking.

After a comeback win at Kilmarnock was followed up by a defeat to Motherwell, it appeared little had changed for Rangers under Ferguson.

However, the Glasgow side had a brilliant period leading into the international break, as they knocked out José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe over two legs in the Europa League before recording a rare victory at bitter rivals Celtic in the league.

Leon Balogun continues to impress for Rangers

Whilst it was a team effort from Rangers in that period, centre-back Leon Balogun once again emerged as a key figure when it mattered.

The 36-year-old has had plenty of fitness issues over the years, but when he is fit and available, he continues to show his class for the Gers.

After coming on as a substitute in Istanbul in the first-half, Balogun was cool and composed as Ferguson’s men won 3-1 in the Turkish capital.

He then played the full 120 minutes as Mourinho’s side took the tie to penalties, with Rangers squeezing through on spot-kicks. That was quite the accomplishment when you consider how much money Fenerbahçe have spent, and Balogun was key over the two games in shutting down the likes of Edin Dzeko and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Despite his age and injury history, Balogun would be thrown in from the start in the fierce Glasgow derby, and he managed 56 minutes before he was forced off, with Rangers leading at that time, and they would go on to win.

His commitment and willingness to play through the pain barrier, as well as his leadership and quality, has made Balogun a cult hero at Ibrox, with his reputation enhanced by the title in his first spell at the club.

QPR didn’t get the best of Leon Balogun

So, Balogun’s performances right now won’t come as a massive surprise to all connected to Rangers, who will be delighted at how he is playing.

Yet, it’s fair to say that QPR supporters will be checking whether this is the same player that had a tough year with the club in the 2022/23 season.

Given his pedigree, Balogun looked like a shrewd signing by Mick Beale, who knew the defender from his time at Ibrox.

And, the early signs were positive, as the new recruit brought experience and know-how to the R’s defence as they were flying high in the Championship.

But, Beale’s decision to join Rangers saw them fall down the table, and Balogun missed a chunk of the season through injury.

Whilst he would return under Gareth Ainsworth, QPR were now battling relegation, and the mood around the club was very negative.

Like many of his teammates, Balogun’s performance levels dropped and there were question marks over whether he wanted to be around.

Ultimately, the abiding memory of Balogun’s time with QPR is the centre-back arguing with his own fans following a defeat to Wigan.

With his contract expiring, there was no desire from either party for an extension, with Balogun eventually returning to Rangers as a free agent.