Germany have struggled in recent years at major tournaments, going out at the group stage of the last two World Cups and being eliminated by rivals England at the most recent European Championship.

However, historically, Germany have had some of the best players in world football wearing the famous white and black shirts, including some free-scoring attackers.

But who is Germany’s best in front of goal? We have taken a look at the top German goalscorers of all time, with a detailed look at the very best the nation has produced over the years…

All information correct as of 15th May 2025.

Here is a detailed look at Germany’s top 10 goalscorers:

10

Oliver Bierhoff

37 goals (70 caps)

Physical striker Oliver Bierhoff was a regular for Germany between 1996-2002, with the forward playing in four major tournaments.

Bierhoff took over from Jurgen Klinsmann as captain in 1998 and his most iconic moment in a Germany shirt was arguably a blistering seven-minute hat-trick in a crucial World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland, helping overturn a 1-0 deficit late on.

9

Michael Ballack

42 goals (98 caps)

Known by many as a powerful box-to-box midfielder, Michael Ballack also chipped in with plenty of goals for Germany over 12 years, 10 of which were from the penalty spot.

The former Bayern Munich and Chelsea star captained his country but was also involved in some drama toward the end of his international career, rejecting the chance to reach 100 caps due to a bust-up with Joachim Low.

8

Uwe Seeler

43 goals (72 caps)

Hamburger SV icon Uwe Seeler represented Germany for over 17 years, turning out in four World Cups and was the first player to score two goals in four separate editions of the competition.

Seeler was part of the side that made the final in 1966 against England and ended his international career with 43 goals.

7

Thomas Muller

45 goals (131 caps)

Versatile forward Thomas Muller played for Germany from 2010 until 2024, with the attacker quitting international football after Euro 2024.

He had looked to be hanging up his national boots after a group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup, but instead helped Germany to the last eight of their home Euros.

Muller had his best year in front of goal in 2014, the year Germany won the World Cup, scoring 10 times in 15 appearances.

6

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

45 goals (95 caps)

Former Bayern Munich striker Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had a low start to his international career, scoring just once in his first two years as a German striker. However, he soon hit his prime and was the world’s best player, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1980 and 1981.

Rummenigge suffered World Cup final heartbreak in both 1982 and 1986, however, he did help Germany win the European Championships in 1980.

5

Jurgen Klinsmann

47 goals (108 caps)

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jurgen Klinsmann made more than 100 appearances for Germany and scored close to 50 goals, with his debut coming in 1987.

The forward, who also represented Germany at the Olympic Games, retired in 1998. Klinsmann then actually returned to the national team set up as Germany’s new head coach six years later and led his country in the 2006 World Cup.

4

Rudi Voller

47 goals (90 caps)

Rudi Voller is next on the list, netting 47 goals in 90 appearances. He scored in the 1986 World Cup final defeat to Argentina and his last two goals for Germany came in the 1994 World Cup.

Four years after retiring, Voller would go on to manage Bayer Leverkusen, Germany and Roma. He recently returned for a short interim role in charge of Germany after Hansi Flick left his post in 2023.

3

Lukas Podolski

49 goals (130 caps)

Despite being born in Poland, Lukas Podolski opted to represent Germany and made his debut as a teenager in 2004. It was 2006 when Podolski hit his prime for his country, scoring 12 goals in 17 games, three of which came at the World Cup.

The powerful forward represented his nation in an impressive seven major tournaments, winning the World Cup in 2014 before retiring three years later, one goal shy of a half-century.

2

Gerd Muller

68 goals (62 caps)

Iconic striker Gerd Muller was actually Germany’s all-time top scorer for almost 40 years, averaging more than a goal a game between 1966 and 1974.

The prolific forward found the back of the net with ease for both club and country and was the Ballon d’Or winner in 1970. He helped Germany win the European Championship in 1972 and the World Cup in 1974, famously quitting international football after the triumph on home soil.

1

Miroslav Klose

71 goals (137 caps)

Top of the charts is Miroslav Klose, with the former Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich and Lazio striker enjoying a 14-year international career, breaking Muller’s record in 2014. He bagged more than 10 goals for his country in 2002, 2006 and 2010, saving his best in front of goal on the big stage.

Not only Germany’s top scorer, Klose also holds the record for the most goals scored in the World Cup with 16 and retired shortly after winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Leeds United are set to be without another "unbelievably important" player for the next few weeks in a new injury blow at Elland Road.

Leeds’ Championship form

Daniel Farke’s side have been outstanding in the Championship in 2024 and are still yet to lose a second-tier game. The Whites have six league fixtures remaining and may even need to get close to or beyond the 100-point mark to earn one of the two automatic promotion spots ahead of Ipswich Town and Leicester City.

Leeds United 3-0 Birmingham City

1st January

Cardiff City 0-3 Leeds United

13th January

Leeds United 2-1 Preston North End

21st January

Leeds United 1-0 Norwich City

24th January

Bristol City 0-1 Leeds United

2nd February

Leeds United 3-0 Rotherham United

10th February

Swansea City 0-4 Leeds United

13th February

Plymouth Argyle 0-2 Leeds United

17th February

Leeds United 3-1 Leicester City

23rd February

Huddersfield Town 1-1 Leeds United

2nd March

Leeds United 1-0 Stoke City

5th March

Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Leeds United

8th March

Leeds United 2-0 Millwall

17th March

Watford 2-2 Leeds United

29th March

Leeds United 3-1 Hull City

1st April

It promises to be a dramatic run-in, with Leeds hoping to be a Premier League side once again when the 46-game season ends on May 4th.

Leeds team news vs Coventry

Farke’s side will travel to Coventry City on Saturday afternoon and are already without Pascal Struijk, Wilfried Gnonto and Connor Roberts. Ilia Gruev also looks set to be touch and go after missing the two games over Easter, and it appears as if Farke has another injury concern.

Adam Pope relayed the news of a new issue to Jamie Shackleton, who came on late on Monday against Hull City. He looks set to be out for two weeks with an adductor problem.

The 24-year-old, who is actually out of contract at the end of the season, has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season, turning out as a right-back, left-back, right midfielder and central midfielder.

He’s highlighted his versatility, albeit not being a regular since October, but not having him on the bench may come as a blow to Farke, who called Shackleton “unbelievably important” earlier this season.

“I really love Jamie. He's, sometimes, really underrated because he can play all positions. Wherever he plays, he's always reliable, always solid, always a good team-mate, gives us everything.

“Sometimes, even a bit of his problem [is] he has to play so many different roles instead of coming into rhythm on one role, but he proved again tonight he is an unbelievably important piece of our squad and I'm really, really happy to have him, definitely.”

فك لاعب وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، جود بيلينجهام، النحس هذا الموسم وسجل الهدف الثاني للملكي أمام أوساسونا في الدوري الإسباني.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد وأوساسونا على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” وسط حضور جماهيري غفير وصل لأكثر من 80 ألف متفرج.

ونجح بيلينجهام في تتويج جهوده وفك النحس ليسجل الهدف الأول له هذا الموسم في الدقيقة 43 من زمن الشوط الأول بعد لمسة رائعة.

اقرأ أيضًا | المصائب لا تأتي فرادى.. ثنائي ريال مدريد يغادر مباراة أوساسونا بإصابتين مقلقتين شاهد هدف بيلينجهام الرائع في شباك أوساسونا

وقام المدافع الشاب الجديد راؤول أسينسيو الذي شارك في المباراة بديلًا مبكرًا في الدقيقة 30 بعد إصابة، إيدير ميليتاو، بتمريرة طولية وصلت إلى بيلينجهام.

ثم وضع بيلينجهام الكرة أعلى حارس أوساسونا لتذهب إلى داخل المرمى ويسجل الهدف الأول له هذا الموسم بقميص ريال مدريد بعد معاناة كبيرة.

ليصبح في جعبة الإنجليزي الدولي هدفًا مع صناعة آخر في نفس المباراة وربما تكون بداية تألق بيلينجهام هذا الموسم مع ريال مدريد.

According to several reports from Germany, U.S. Soccer has interest in the New Jersey-born manager to replace Gregg Berhalter

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• USMNT currently without head coach
• U.S. Soccer approaches Matarazzo
• Hoffenheim boss reportedly interested

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. Soccer has approached 46-year-old Hoffenheim manager Pellegrino Matarazzo about its men's national team coaching vacancy, according to reports from Kicker and BILD.

  The reports adds that Matarazzo, who was born and raised in New Jersey, is interested in the opportunity, although nothing is yet definitive. After a shakeup in the front office of the Bundesliga side this summer, Matarazzo could be looking for an exit.

  Sporting Director Alexander Rosen departed the club earlier this summer due to dissatisfaction with preparations for the upcoming campaign, according to the report, and Matarazzo – who was backed by Rosen – could follow suit.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Following Gregg Berhalter's firing in the wake of a disappointing Copa America showing, U.S. Soccer has been searching for its next men's national team manager.

  The likes of Jurgen Klopp, Rafa Benitez, Steve Cherundolo, Wilfried Nancy and Luis De la Fuente have all been mentioned as potential candidates. France's U23 Olympic manager Thierry Henry has also been speculated. Klopp turned down U.S. Soccer's approach.

  Sky Germany report that they have confirmed Matarazzo and U.S. Soccer's mutual interest, but state that no offer has been made.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Matarazzo and fellow American Jesse Marsch – now Canada's manager – knew each other in their younger days. Born in New Jersey, Matarazzo moved to Europe to play in Germany’s lower divisions. After retirement, Matarazzo turned to coaching, taking the lead role at Stuttgart in 2019. Most recently led Hoffenheim to a seventh-place Bundesliga finish.

  Matarazzo, who played at Columbia University before forging his path in Germany as a player and coach, has said that Italian soccer, not German soccer, was the mainstay in the Matarazzo house, as his family is made up of Napoli fans.

  He also credited former Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson as having been an influence, saying “It would be nice to meet Phil Jackson at some point in time. I have read his books and I am very fascinated by his approach."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT

  U.S. Soccer has yet to appoint a new manager, but sporting director Matt Crocker has stated that the federation is looking to hire Berhalter's replacement before the September international window – the U.S. has a pair of international friendlies against Canada and New Zealand.

MatériaMais Notícias

Para o volante Gabriel a vitória por 1 a 0 sobre o América-MG, no último domingo (6), pela segunda rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, pode servir como uma “virada de chave” para o elenco buscar a virada contra o Atlético-GO nesta quarta-feira (9), às 21h30, pelo jogo de volta da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil, no estádio Antônio Accioly. Na ida, o Dragão venceu o Timão por 2 a 0, em plena Neo Química Arena.

– Logicamente sim, até porque a vitória sempre nos dá confiança, animo maior no trabalho, gera confiança não só dos jogadores, mas na comissão, no que estamos treinando, conversando e praticando no dia a dia. Feliz pela retomada, lógico que o futebol é resultado, então quando o resultado positivo vem gera coisas boas. Nada melhor do que antes e um jogo eliminatório, onde temos possibilidade de reverter situação, então, com certeza, gera confiança e leveza um pouco maior o grupo para poder fazer um grande jogo amanhã e sair classificado de Goiânia – disse o volante em entrevista coletiva virtual concedida nesta terça-feira (8).

>> Confira a tabela da Copa do Brasil e acompanhe o Timão
>> Baixe o novo app de resultados do L!

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O meio campista reconheceu a superioridade dos goianos na partida de ida, mas acredita que os jogadores corinthianos também possam assumir as rédeas fora de casa, para saírem classificados às oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil. E essa sensação de otimismo foi intensificada justamente pelo triunfo do fim de semana, em Belo Horizonte.

– Lógico que não é um resultado que queríamos levar para a segunda partida, mas são 180 minutos, ainda não acabou, foi apenas metade da decisão, desas nova trajetória para a classificação, temos muitas condições de fazer um jogo melhor, mais consistente para podermos reverter, respeitando o Atletico-GO, que fez um grande primeiro jogo, mas espero que o segundo jogo seja nosso e que coloquemos o ritmo da partida, tentando pressionar o adversário em um momento certo para buscar o gols, criar chances e também não tomar, que é importante para ficar mais perto da classificação. Equipe concentrada, é o que vitória do fim de semana nos dá para ir a essa decisão e poder passar. Então, temos que ter a cabeça tranquila mesmo tendo o 2 a 0 contra, para poder reverter e dar o melhor – destacou Gabriel.

O jogo desta quarta-feira (9) será o terceiro encontro entre Corinthians e Atlético-GO em duas semanas. Além da vitória atleticana pela Copa do Brasil, o rubro-negro também havia batido os corinthianos na primeira rodada do Brasileirão, também em Itaquera.

As duas derrotas consecutivas para o Dragão, inclusive, marcaram os primeiros compromissos do técnico Sylvinho no comando do Timão.

Matthijs de Ligt is reportedly set to start training at Bayern Munich as the defender is still not close to completing Manchester United switch.

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De Ligt to return from holidays on FridayWill start training in MunichMan Utd & Bayern distant on transfer feeWHAT HAPPENED?

According to the Dutch defender is set to return from his holidays following the European Championship on Friday and will undergo his pre-season medical tests in Munich. De Ligt remains focussed on his professional duties and will prepare for the upcoming season with the Bavarians even as the club continues to entertain the possibility of his departure.

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United have not yet reached an agreement with Bayern, who are reportedly demanding €50 million (£42m/$54m) plus additional bonus payments. It is understood that the two clubs are nearly €15 million (£13m/$16m) apart in their valuations for the defender which has stalled talks at the moment.

DID YOU KNOW?

De Ligt is not the only key player who will be absent from Bayern's pre-season tour of Asia where they will play against English side Tottenham. Alongside him, Olympic participant Michael Olise, European Championship returnees Kingsley Coman, Dayot Upamecano, Leroy Sane, Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies will also remain in Munich.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR DE LIGT?

As De Ligt gears up for the new season with Bayern Munich, the uncertainty surrounding his future remains. With United eager to bolster their defence and Bayern Munich's high valuation of the player, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining where the defender will ply his trade next season. For now, the Dutch international is set to focus on his preparations with the Bavarian giants, while both clubs continue to negotiate a potential transfer.

Last year, India completed a historic 2-1 triumph in Australia, their first-ever Test series victory in the country. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly believes India will face an even bigger challenge when they go back down under in 2020-21 for a four-Test series against a “full-strength” Australia side.Back in 2018-19, the hosts were without two key batsmen in Steven Smith and David Warner, who were serving year-long bans for their role in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal. With both Smith and Warner back in action, a “different Australia”, according to Ganguly, awaits India next year.Following the end of the 2019-21 World Test Championship cycle, India are also set to tour England (2021) and South Africa (2021-22). Ganguly wants India to win Test series on those tours as well.”They beat Australia in 2018. But I will still expect to win in South Africa and England,” Ganguly told . “And I think, they are going back to Australia next year. That’s going to be a bigger challenge and I am sure with the standards that Virat [Kohli] sets for himself and the others, he will know at the back of his mind that the 2018 Australia team was not the best Australian team of this generation. And what he is going to face next year, which is not very far away, is going to be a different Australia.”The enormity of the challenge notwithstanding, Ganguly was confident Indian have the ability to beat Australia in their backyard once more.”The full-strength Australia are a strong Australia,” Ganguly said. “They (India) have the team to beat them. They will just have to believe and get everything right to beat them. That’s what I am looking for.”When I became a captain, one of our aims was to compete with the best. And I remember, 2003 in Australia against that Australia, we were outstanding. And this team has the potential to do it. They have proper fast bowlers, they have spinners, they have a champion in Virat Kohli as a batsman.”Members of the Indian team celebrate after winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy•Getty Images

As for the shorter formats, Ganguly said he would discuss with Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri, and the other players, the potential causes – mental or otherwise – for India’s defeats in crunch matches of world tournaments in the recent past. Under Kohli, India’s defeat to Pakistan in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy was bookended by eliminations in the semi-finals of the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2019 ODI World Cup.”As I said, it’s a very strong team. But then you have to get past the semi-final,” Ganguly said. “Like in this World Cup, they played so well but lost to New Zealand one day. This is something that they will have to address. At some stage, we will speak to Virat, Ravi and then the players. You need to find a way to get past that hurdle in the big game. Whether it’s a mental hurdle or whatever, they will do that. I still expect them to win in England and South Africa in Test matches, which they need to do to be a good side.”Ganguly rated Kohli’s leadership skills highly, but wasn’t willing to compare him with past India captains.”Very good (Kohli’s captaincy is),” Ganguly said. “But I don’t think you can judge captains because the teams were different, the strengths were different. I don’t think you can compare captains of any era with the captains of other eras. He is a fantastic cricketer, a fantastic person. Yes, he may make mistakes, he may say something, everybody does.”I believe, as a human being, you carry what you do off the field to the field. He is a very solid person off the field. A lot of things rest on his shoulders in India.”When India travel to Australia, it won’t be easy. It will not be as easy as in 2018. I don’t know whether I will still be board president then but I will be looking forward to Virat beating this Australian team in 2020 when they get there after the T20 World Cup.”

Scans reveal only bruising to Archer’s elbow while Wood is closing in on a Test comeback

George Dobell at Newlands04-Jan-2020

Jofra Archer is expected to be fit to play in the third Test in Port Elizabeth after scans on his right elbow showed no serious damage. England are also increasingly confident that Mark Wood will be available for that game, an encouraging boost for a side who have enjoyed little luck on the tour to date.Archer was deemed unfit for selection in Cape Town after reporting a sore elbow during training ahead of the match. An initial scan was inconclusive, but further tests have shown relatively minor bruising which is not expected to keep him out of the next game, which starts on January 16.Wood was not played a Test since the final match in the Caribbean in February, having sustained a serious side stain in the World Cup final, but he is bowling with good pace in the nets and seems to be injury free.The prospect of both Archer and Wood being available for Port Elizabeth is tantalising. While the pair – perhaps the two fastest England-qualified fast bowlers currently in the game – have formed an effective partnership in white-ball cricket, they have yet to play a Test together. Their availability would provide their captain, Joe Root, with a welcome element of pace in his attack, and might also put a bit of pressure on the England bowlers in action in Cape Town.England have yet to make a decision over whether to call-up a replacement for the injured Rory Burns. At present Jonny Bairstow is the only reserve batsman in the squad but, with only two Tests to play after this, it may well be they decide they do not need to add to the 18-man party they currently have in South Africa.

Chelsea have their eye on a Premier League star who could leave his club for around £30m over the coming months.

Chelsea transfer rumours – striker targets

The Blues and Todd Boehly have splashed the cash in recent years, doing so last summer ahead of Mauricio Pochettino's first season in charge.

Chelsea summer signings

Axel Disasi (Monaco)

£38.5m

Nicolas Jackson (Villarreal)

£30.1m

Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)

£52m

Kendry Paez (Independiente del Valle)

£17.27m

Robert Sanchez (Brighton)

£25m

Moises Caicedo (Brighton)

£115m

Lesley Ugochukwu (Rennes)

£23.5m

Angelo Gabriel (Santos)

Undisclosed

Alex Matos (Norwich)

Undisclosed

Diego Moreira (Benfica)

Undisclosed

Ishe Samuels-Smith (Everton)

Undisclosed

Dujuan Richards (Phoenix All Stars Academy)

Undisclosed

Romeo Lavia (Southampton)

£58m

Deivid Washington (Santos)

£17.1m

Djordje Petrovic (New England Revolution)

£14m

Cole Palmer (Manchester City)

£42.5m

All fees courtesy of Sky Sports

However, it hasn’t had the desired effect on the pitch and there have also been mentions of Chelsea being in breach of Profit and Sustainability rules. In fact, reports last month even said that rival clubs believe the Blues need to raise around £100m from player sales before June 30 – or risk being in breach of PSR.

Despite this, there has still been plenty of speculation over the club signing a new marquee striker. For example, Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea now readying a player plus cash offer for the Nigerian.

Brentford’s Ivan Toney has been another name mooted, with reports in February saying he was the top target in west London, with the Bees previously valuing him at £80m. However, that appears to have changed.

Ivan Toney transfer update

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Toney could leave Brentford in the summer, with his price tag seemingly dropping to £30m-£40m.

The Blues are named as a club who are monitoring the England international, although rivals West Ham have already made an enquiry.

Toney, described as a “monster” by Brentford manager Thomas Frank, has been open when it comes to leaving the Bees, recently saying when asked on his perfect end to the season:

"We start winning games; we win every game for the rest of the season. I've scored 20 goals [laughs]. I think there's nine games left maybe, so we've kept nine clean sheets. Job's a good'un.

"I'm in the mix for the Euros and then we win the Euros. Let things fall into the place. If Brentford were to sell me, they'd make their money, I move to Madrid and it's all good."

The 28-year-old appears to be in his prime with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation, and he is proven in the Premier League with 36 goals and 10 assists in 81 appearances in the competition.

Therefore, securing his services ahead of Arsenal and West Ham for a fee in the region of £30m-£40m could be shrewd business by the Blues, and it is seemingly a transfer to watch.

Prior to the weekend clash, Glasgow Rangers had won 19 and drawn four of their 23 matches against Ross County since their first-ever meeting in the Scottish Cup during the 2000/01 season.

While all hoodoos come to an end eventually, the timing surrounding Rangers' defeat to the Highland side simply couldn’t have been any worse.

Philippe Clement had dragged his side back into a Premiership title race and travelled to the north of Scotland knowing a win would bring the Light Blues to within a point of their rivals at the top of the table, and more crucially, with another game in hand.

The 3-2 loss, however, means Rangers will still trail Celtic by a single point, even if they defeat Dundee on Wednesday evening, handing Celtic the advantage in the title race.

Several senior players failed to perform anything like their best against the Staggies as the club conceded three goals in just 18 minutes during the second half. With an attack that couldn’t get going to a midfield that failed to do the simple things right, Rangers were a mess.

It was the defence who were at fault, especially Connor Goldson, who is enduring a dreadful spell on the pitch of late.

Connor Goldson's performance vs Ross County

The Englishman has missed just four games throughout the whole season and, over the previous few weeks, it looks as though this has finally caught up with him.

Against Celtic in the third Old Firm clash of the season, not only did Goldson concede the penalty which gave them a two-goal lead in the match, but he should have done much better for their third goal, giving Adam Idah too much time to get his shot away and restore Celtic’s advantage.

Fortunately, Rabbi Matondo spared his blushes, but he failed to improve against County.

Goldson may have won all eight of his duels during the match, but he could have done better for all three of the goals the Light Blues conceded as County blitzed the defence during a remarkable period in the second half.

His distribution, which is usually fairly solid, also let him down on Sunday. The centre-back managed to complete just 38 of his 52 attempted passes – a success rate of 73% – while only four of his ten long balls were accurate.

He received a match rating of just 5/10 from Glasgow World for his display and journalist Lewis Anderson summed it up by stating that it ‘was another fairly disappointing performance on the whole’ which proves he should spend some time out of the team.

Connor Goldson could be dropped against Dundee

In truth, Goldson has made a fair few defensive mistakes this season which have cost the club goals. Against Aberdeen in November, he failed to judge a long ball from which Bojan Miovski raced past him and scored the opener.

Teams know to play the long ball over the defence as it causes the side so much trouble, especially with Goldson at the back, and it worked on occasions for County on Sunday.

The stark reality is, Goldson is perhaps entering the final few years of his career, and it looks like it is showing.

The 31-year-old may have made over 300 competitive appearances for the Ibrox side, but when the club are chasing trophies but continuously coming up short, something has to give.

There is a quick turnaround in fixtures as the rearranged match against Dundee takes place on Wednesday evening, and it represents an ideal chance for Clement to totally rejig his starting XI.

The man to replace Connor Goldson at Rangers

This could see changes in the attack, midfield, and defence, which may see Leon Balogun come back into the first-team fold.

While the Goldson/John Souttar partnership looked like it had been thriving for a while, shipping six goals across two league games ensures it should be broken up for now.

Balogun arrived back at Rangers for his second spell at the club, having played 65 games between 2020 and 2022, winning both the Premiership and Scottish Cup while helping the Gers reach the Europa League final in his last season.

Accurate passes per game

41.2

Total duels won per game

7.8

Tackles per game

1.4

Interceptions per game

1.3

Clearances per game

3.7

It was perhaps surprising to see him return to Ibrox last summer, yet Michael Beale had worked with him during his first spell, and it appeared that the Nigerian was signed to act as cover.

Under the Englishman, Balogun started just one Premiership match, but since the arrival of Clement, he has been given much more game time.

Under the Belgian, the £8k-per-week titan played consistently in the top flight between the clash against Dundee on November 1 to suffering a serious facial injury against Livingston in February.

Following that blow, Clement praised his veteran defender, saying: "The positive side is he is a warrior and he is somebody with experience who already had things like that in the past.

"He believes he can be back fast with a mask so I hope that is the case. It is the medical staff who need to decide that."

In the top flight, Balogun ranks sixth for accurate passes per game (41.2) when compared to his teammates, while also ranking first for interceptions per match (1.3) and for clearances per game (3.7), clearly showcasing how effective he is when given a chance in the starting lineup.

He may have featured for just one minute since suffering his facial injury two months ago, but it is time Clement drafted in Balogun to operate alongside Souttar in the heart of the defence against Dundee.

Rangers have scored eight goals while conceding only one during their previous two games against the Dens Park side. Balogun was in the starting XI on both occasions and with a match that is sure to be fairly tense from the get-go, bringing in his experience could be vital.

Hopefully, the clash goes ahead as planned and Dundee avoids yet another monsoon, but if it does, three points are all that matters.

Another stumble and Clement can wave goodbye to the Premiership title this season.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.