Clinton Nsiala’s arrival at Rangers last summer quickly sparked comparisons to some of the club’s most prominent defenders in recent years, particularly former fan-favorite Calvin Bassey, who left for £20 million. Both Nsiala and Bassey are naturally left-footed defenders, possessing the technical abilities to break defensive lines and instigate attacks from deep within their own half. Their physicality combined with their impressive ball control makes them stand out as dynamic, modern central defenders. It’s no surprise that Nsiala has drawn such comparisons, as his style and qualities have many thinking that, just like Bassey, he could be a highly valuable asset for Rangers – one that could generate a substantial return on investment in the future.

Nsiala’s performances since his arrival at Ibrox have already begun to live up to the hype, especially in the wake of Rangers’ defensive injury crisis, which has opened the door for several fringe players and younger talents to make their mark. The 21-year-old central defender’s performances have not only been solid but often spectacular, showcasing a level of maturity beyond his years. In his third Scottish Premiership start, during a 3-0 win over Aberdeen, Nsiala’s performance was one of the finest from a central defender at Rangers in recent memory. Despite his relative inexperience, he looked completely at ease, keeping a clean sheet and even assisting Leon Balogun’s stoppage-time header. His ability to pass the ball with precision and confidence caught the eye, as he completed an impressive 91% of his passes, including a few expertly executed switches of play that would have made any seasoned defender proud.

Rangers’ winger Ross McCausland, watching from the bench, was so impressed by Nsiala’s composure and technical ability that he remarked that he was playing like a left-footed version of Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk. McCausland was particularly struck by Nsiala’s ball-playing ability, drawing parallels to Van Dijk’s style of bringing the ball out from the back and playing with a level of composure that belies his age.

Philippe Clement, Rangers’ head coach, has been full of praise for Nsiala’s readiness to seize his opportunity, especially considering the defensive injuries at the club. Clement adopted a positive approach to the injury crisis, believing that absences would provide fringe players and youngsters the opportunity to prove their worth. For Nsiala, it has been a chance to showcase his abilities and stake a claim for a more regular spot in the senior team. Clement highlighted Nsiala’s progress, particularly considering that he was stepping into senior football with little to no prior experience at this level. His rapid development has been evident, with the coach noting how well he has adapted to the demands of the Scottish Premiership.

The praise has not been limited to the coaching staff. Veteran defender Leon Balogun, who has been impressed by Nsiala’s performances, praised the youngster for his efforts in their recent win over Aberdeen. Balogun commended Nsiala for his excellent assist and solid defending, saying that he has been “really, really good” and deserved a lot of credit for his work. Balogun also expressed admiration for Nsiala’s attitude and commitment to improving, acknowledging that the 21-year-old has put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes to reach this level.

With other key defenders such as James Tavernier, John Souttar, Dujon Sterling, and Neraysho Kasanwirjo sidelined, Nsiala’s performances are becoming even more crucial. Although Robin Propper also picked up an injury against Aberdeen, Nsiala has seized his chance, delivering performances that have suggested he is more than capable of becoming a mainstay in the Rangers defense. Clement has also lauded the transformation of Ridvan Yilmaz into a potent right-back, with both players stepping up in the absence of other defensive regulars.

As the club prepares for the upcoming Scottish Cup match against fifth-tier Fraserburgh, where a place in the next round is up for grabs, Nsiala’s performances could prove pivotal. The 21-year-old is not only helping Rangers in their bid to close the gap at the top of the Premiership but also showing that, despite his young age, he is more than capable of rising to the occasion and performing at a high level in Scottish football. If he continues on this trajectory, it would not be surprising to see him earn significant recognition for his performances and potentially move on for a large transfer fee, much like Bassey did a couple of years ago.