Philippe Clement to suffer midfield headache as Dujon Sterling wows despite Old Firm derby loss
Dujon Sterling will be a managerial nightmare for Philippe Clement in the coming weeks as Rangers’ current injuries begin returning to the squad.
Nico Raskin, Ryan Jack, Steven Davis and Tom Lawrence are all set to recover from their respective injuries in January but Sterling has been performing incredibly well in their absence, making it extremely difficult to drop the 24-year-old.
However, as many have realised, Sterling is naturally a full-back by trade, having to deputise in midfield due to a plethora of injuries plaguing the starting XI.
Despite being out of position, the former Chelsea academy star has not struggled and was one of the better performers in a poor 2-1 loss to Celtic in the Old Firm derby.
Sterling maintained an 85 per cent pass completion against a tough midfield of Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor and Paulo Bernardo. He also made 10 recoveries and four interceptions, becoming the most fouled player on the pitch (6) and won nine ground duels. [FotMob]
The defender-turned-midfielder was not able to avoid picking up a caution for his challenge on Bernardo but his energy and enthusiasm were enough to make him stand out, looking as if he cared about the result. The same could not be said for all of his teammates.
Clement preferred Sterling to the use of Kieran Dowell against Celtic, despite impressive displays and a goal on his return to the starting XI against St Johnstone and Motherwell. Jose Cifuentes also had to deal with a spot on the bench.
Once the likes of Raskin and Jack make their comeback, it will be interesting to see what Clement does about Sterling’s spot in the starting lineup. He is unlikely to deputise at full-back ahead of Ridvan Yilmaz or James Tavernier but may struggle to match the injured midfield duo in terms of ability.
In other Rangers news, Jamie O’Hara has shared his Old Firm regret live on air.