Leon King became a legitimate leader of Scotland due to his quick ascension with the Rangers, which placed him “two years ahead of schedule.”

Leon King, a young player for the Rangers, is showing to be a natural leader of men, according to Scot Gemmill.

The 20-year-old defeated Kazakhstan 4-1 in the Euro qualifiers last week, earning his ninth cap for Gemmill’s Scotland U21 team. Even though Gemmill is two years younger than most of his teammates, he acknowledges that his rise to that level has amazed him. King, who has been used in both midfield and his more comfortable position in the center of defense, has emerged as a crucial member of his nation’s squad as they attempt to break a nearly 30-year drought without earning a trip to the Euros.

That’s even though he has only made four appearances off the bench for the Rangers this season under Philippe Clement.Two years ago, Gio van Bronckhorst elevated King to the first team at Ibrox, stating that the then-18-year-old had a “bright future.” King has since made 35 appearances for the Light Blues. Gemmill said, “I see the progress, for sure,” despite not playing for the team this season. Playing in midfield at the conclusion of the previous season, Leon has performed well for us.

“It’s crucial to keep in mind that he is two years younger than everyone else. In reality, he is a ’04. In terms of Leon’s tenure with the Rangers squad and his personal and professional growth, it speaks volumes. It demonstrates just how well-regarded he is to be in the U21s two years ahead of schedule.

In September 2022, on just King’s second U21 cap—a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland—Gemmill named King captain. Since then, Josh Doig and Liam Morrison have reclaimed the armband, but that hasn’t diminished the Ibrox Academy alum’s leadership abilities on the field, as he claims to have emerged as one of his primary commanders.