Barry Ferguson believes that there is a player in Philippe Clement’s Rangers team who can assist him wherever on the field.
After receiving almost little playing time under Michael Beale, Dujon Sterling has emerged as one of the most improved players under Clement this season.
He was mainly brought in by the later manager to provide right-back insurance for James Tavernier after signing him on a free transfer from Chelsea in the summer.
Naturally, Sterling appeared in just two of the first 14 Scottish Premiership games of the season due to the fact that goal machine Tavernier captains Rangers and can stay healthy for extended periods of time [Transfermarkt].
Nevertheless, the astute Clement saw that Sterling’s adaptability might be a tremendous advantage to his team and started to use the Englishman in central midfield.
The iconic Rangers victory over Real Betis in the Europa League, which guaranteed the team’s passage to the round of 16, was one of the first occasions Rangers supporters saw this.
In addition to covering a lot of territory and displaying an athleticism that few of his teammates possess, Sterling was really at ease with the ball.
It is evident that Clement has a player in him that he can rely on after he excelled in the Viaplay Cup Final against Aberdeen. Because of this, Sterling has been used as a winger against specific opponents ever since.
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The 24-year-old’s stellar play was cut short by a two-match ban following his contentious red card in Neil Warnock’s Aberdeen managerial debut a few weeks prior.
However, Sterling is healthy again and was involved in the victory over St Johnstone the previous weekend. He’ll be aiming for a start this afternoon against Hearts, but Mohamed Diomande’s rise is giving John Lundstram some competition in the middle of the pitch.
Barry Ferguson lauds Dujon Sterling highly
Dujon Sterling in the Real Betis vs. Rangers FC UEFA Europa League 2023–2024 Group C match
Image courtesy of NurPhoto/DAX Images via Getty Images
Barry Ferguson was present to gush over Dujon Sterling when the topic came up on The Go Radio Football Show.
Even if Sterling doesn’t start every game, the former Ibrox captain believes that having a player with his versatility in a squad is crucial and that he is one of Philippe Clement’s most essential players.
“Listen, the only positions he hasn’t played in yet are up front or in goals – you can play him anywhere,” Ferguson remarked about Sterling. He entered the game as a defender but played central midfield, where I felt he was outstanding.
He has played both left and right, and you can see how having players like that in the squad has a significant impact.
“I love spending time with him. He can move over the field and is a true athlete. He is a crucial member of the manager’s team.
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