Being a goalie for the Rangers is not an easy life. However, Will Dennis shown that he is prepared to take on a challenge when Kilmarnock defeated the Glasgow giants on the first day of play back in August.
Actually, on that particular instance.
The ball fell loose in the middle of a packed penalty area, and with the score tied at zero goals, Kilmarnock’s loaned shot-keeper risked injury or worse by putting his body in danger to deny points to Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers.
If it demonstrated his daring, Will Dennis’s save later in the half, which included tipping a rasping drive from John Lundstram over the bar, can only be regarded as remarkable. Dennis made four such saves as Killie went on to win 1-0. And the first of 10 clean sheets that the glovesman, who is owned by Bournemouth, has amassed since coming to Rugby Park.
Will Dennis of Kilmarnock outperformed the Rangers.
Dennis’s contract with Bournemouth expires in2024, but the Rangers are reportedly “keeping close tabs” on him, according to the Daily Record. And if their curiosity dates all the way back to August 5th, that would not be surprising. Dennis made his debut in Scottish football on that day, when he started to dislodge the bricks in the home Mick Beale had erected on the beach.
Dennis also has the third-best save % in the Premiership, according to FBREF. Only a certain Jack Butland and Zander Clark of Hearts are in the rear. The guy he would probably go up against at Ibrox if Jon McLaughlin and Robby McCrorie were to withdraw.
Before focusing on Butland, Rangers allegedly intended to recruit Preston North End’s Freddie Woodman over the summer. Ironically, Woodman began his senior career by moving on loan to Kilmarnock, and six years later, Dennis seems to be doing the same.
An Ibrox aim now
A few months ago, Dennis told Herald Scotland, “It’s great getting top-flight experience under my belt.”
“A goalie’s primary responsibility is to prevent the ball from entering the net. Additionally, there are talented players vying for points in this competition. The atmosphere here is fantastic, and the supporters are even better.
“Kilmarnock and Scottish football is a fantastic pathway for everyone.”
Dennis’s summer transfer to Ayrshire gave him the opportunity to play first-team football in a premier league for the first time. It could have also set off a series of events that eventually bring him to Ibrox.