Glasgow Rangers sealed their place within the fifth spherical of the Scottish Cup following a reasonably routine victory over Fraserburgh at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon.
The primary half noticed the Gentle Blues wrestle to interrupt the Highland League facet down successfully, going into the break main by a single aim.
Philippe Clement unleashed kids corresponding to Zak Lovelace, Mason Munn and Clinton Nsiala, whereas Leon King and Bailey Rice made appearances within the second half.
Ultimately, the 5-0 win was a job properly executed by the Gers, however a lot more durable duties await within the competitors.
At half-time, new signing Rafael Fernandes was paraded in entrance of the gang, having joined Rangers on a six-month mortgage take care of an choice to purchase.
It may very well be a wise piece of enterprise by Clement, however he might want to usher in one other one or two signings earlier than the window slams shut in two weeks, particularly with the fixtures coming thick and quick within the subsequent couple of months.
The membership may not have to attend lengthy for signing quantity two as they probably await the arrival of one other Dujon Sterling…
Dujon Sterling’s Rangers statistics
Michael Beale made Sterling his second summer signing at Rangers. He didn’t get a lot of a possibility underneath Beale, however Clement noticed his qualities and the Englishman featured 29 times for the Ibrox facet in all competitions, scoring as soon as and grabbing two assists.
It wasn’t simply that he was rising as a dependable choice; Sterling additionally performed in six positions, displaying his fantastic versatility.
Within the Premiership this season, Sterling has completed 89% of his passes, received 57% of his floor duels contested and misplaced possession simply 5.6 occasions per recreation for the membership.
His efficiency towards Celtic at Ibrox initially of January was arguably the best since becoming a member of the membership. Enjoying at centre-back, Sterling made nine clearances, received two of his three contested duels and wasn’t even dribbled previous throughout the gorgeous 3-0 win.
|
Dujon Sterling’s Rangers stats this season |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Metric (per 90) |
Premiership |
Europa League |
|
Correct passes |
28.6 |
8.6 |
|
Tackles |
1 |
0.6 |
|
Floor duels received |
1.6 |
1.2 |
|
Possession misplaced |
5.6 |
5 |
|
Interceptions |
0.7 |
0.6 |
Because it occurs, the Gentle Blues might welcome one other versatile determine to the membership this month…
Rangers given likelihood to signal new midfielder
It was reported earlier within the switch window that Rangers had made an enquiry over the potential signing of CSKA Moscow maestro Sasa Zdjelar.
With FIFA granting overseas gamers the fitting to terminate their contracts with Russian golf equipment because of the ongoing battle in Ukraine, the Gers have hope that they’ll safe the participant this month.
Now, in line with journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Russian membership are ready to let the midfielder go away Moscow this month. His contract expires in the summertime and moderately than shedding him for nothing, the membership are keen to just accept a switch price this month.
Having the prospect to signal somebody of Zdjelar’s high quality might give Clement a serious increase. Not solely is he capable of function within the coronary heart of the midfield, however the Serbian is equally adept at centre-back.
Transfer Focus
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Given the membership’s latest defensive harm disaster, bringing in a participant who’s adaptable and might play a number of positions properly can solely be a superb factor.
If the Gentle Blues managed to signal Zdjelar this month, he has the qualities to be Sterling 2.0 for Clement, a significant commodity who can fill in throughout a variety of positions.
Why Rangers ought to signal Sasa Zdjelar
Clement’s mantra within the switch market has been to signal youthful gamers with loads of expertise, develop them at Ibrox, after which promote them for a large revenue.
That’s the concept, anyway. A transfer for Zdjelar is an outlier when it comes to the Belgian’s ordinary signings, however that doesn’t imply he will not be a pretty choice.
All through his profession, the midfielder has amassed over 400 appearances for 5 groups, lacking only 16 games as a consequence of harm because the begin of the 2020/21 marketing campaign, indicating how dependable he’s.
Scottish soccer author Kai Watson hailed the participant amid latest hyperlinks, saying: “He performs principally as a six however can cowl at centre-back and is vastly skilled.”
Including some expertise to the staff may not be a foul thought. On condition that Zdjelar can play in two positions, Clement is getting extra bang for his buck.
Rangers at present have loads of attacking choices who could make a distinction within the last third, however the Serbian would provide some defensive solidity within the midfield.
Certainly, the 29-year-old has averaged 1.1 interceptions within the Russian prime flight this season, together with making 1.5 tackles, recovering 3.8 balls and successful 64% of his whole duels contested per match.
These attributes would guarantee he could be a success in Scottish soccer, coping with the bodily nature of the sport and never being overrun within the coronary heart of the pitch.
Sterling has confirmed that being adaptable could be a actual bonus for the staff, filling in to sure positions if accidents or suspensions crop up all through the season.
Whereas Fernandes joined the Gers not too long ago so as to add defensive cowl, Zdjelar would even be a perfect participant to deliver to Ibrox this month.
A lot will rely on the finances Clement has to spend between now and the tip of the window, however Rabbi Matondo and Kieran Dowell are free to go away the Gers as a consequence of an absence of recreation time. Clement ought to be capable of elevate funds which might see one other participant or two hyperlink up with the Glasgow facet between now and the tip of the switch window.
The following 14 days might actually make or break Rangers’ season, little doubt about that.
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