When Michael Beale was in charge earlier in the season, there was only one Rangers player who could seriously be considered as being in title winning form – Jack Butland.
Since Philippe Clement arrived, the addition of James Tavernier and John Lundstram in the PFA team of the year says it all about his effect on the squad.
Over the whole season, there hasn’t been a player in Scotland who has been as consistent as the Rangers number one with Jim Duffy agreeing on Clyde Superscoreboard that Jack Butland is a solid pick for player of the year.
Rangers number one Jack Butland tipped for end of season award
Looking at the other main contenders; Matt O’Riley went off the boil after speculation linking him with a move to Atletico Madrid, former target Bojan Miovski has had long periods without scoring goals, as has Lawrence Shankland.
At Rangers, John Lundstram has had a dip either side of a long period of good form with James Tavernier, probably, the player who could push Butland the closest given his open play numbers for goals and assists.
Every player who could be considered have had periods where they haven’t been as good, Butland hasn’t dropped all season.
Speaking to CSSB, Duffy praised Butland’s contribution since heading to Ibrox:
“I just think his influence has been immense for Rangers.
“I think he is a top-class goalkeeper, he’s terrific with his feet, both feet, right and left foot.
“He’s a modern-day goalkeeper, he’s got presence.
“He pulls off the odd wonder save, like he did against Celtic.”
Butland is the stand-out player in Scottish football
Duffy is right. Jack Butland has been near flawless since signing for Rangers.
There have been a few incredible saves along the way.
Even against Hearts at the weekend, after a quiet 90 minutes, he was on hand to stop a goal that could have made the last five minutes more nervous than they should have been.
As Duffy says, it’s not just the shot stopping.
Set-pieces are kept away from Butland because of his presence, which in turn makes it easier for our defenders to compete for the first contact.
His distribution is also good and, other than the odd nervy moment, has rarely wasted possession.
When consideration is given for who might be player of the year, an individual’s contribution to their team as well as individual performance has to be brought into the equation.
Aberdeen might have been relegated without Miovski, or Hearts in the bottom six without Shankland.
Without Butland, Rangers don’t win the league cup, qualify for the last 16 in the Europa League, get into the Scottish Cup final or drag themselves back into the title race.
Jack Butland isn’t just the player of the year, he’s the best player in the country, and it’s not even close.
