Nasser Djiga concerns emerge at Rangers as Russell Martin could have problems
Russell Martin has shown faith in Nasser Djiga early on in his Rangers tenure, but things don’t seem to be going to plan at Ibrox.
The Gers signed the 22-year-old on loan from Wolves, who signed him for £10million from Red Star Belgrade in January 2025.
Djiga’s recent performances at Ibrox have underwhelmed, with the Burkina Faso defender part of the Light Blues’ backline that shipped nine goals over two legs against Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off.
Martin now has Derek Cornelius at his disposal, and the Canada international’s signing may signal a change in the Glaswegian outfit’s backline.
Rangers can’t win William Hill Premiership with Nasser Djiga
Djiga, who has been a first-team regular at the Gers, could cause a lot of issues for them this season, Mark Guidi says.
The Scottish journalist has raised concerns about the centre-back’s quality at Ibrox, with the Light Blues conceding 17 goals in all competitions under Martin.
Guidi doesn’t think the Burkina Faso international has the necessary ability to form a title-winning partnership at the Glaswegian outfit after what’s been seen from him.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 5 September, the journalist said: “Djiga is a concern for me. He’s not up to it. If you’re talking about a title-winning centre-half, a title-winning central defensive partnership… So Rangers, early signs, Djiga for me could cause a lot of problems.”
Read More: Martin already walks back on promise after Zander Hutton transfer
Russell Martin to rely on Derek Cornelius after international break
Cornelius has played against the likes of Lionel Messi in recent years, with the defender showcasing his qualities for Canada against Argentina in the 2024 Copa America.
The 27-year-old was wanted by Roberto De Zerbi last summer due to his qualities on the ball, although he was unable to get a starting berth at Marseille in the previous campaign.
With a move to Glasgow, the defender will undoubtedly be hoping to get regular minutes at Ibrox ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
- Marseille signed Cornelius for around £3.7m.
- The Gers have an option to make the defender’s loan move permanent.
- For Canada, the centre-back has 36 caps.
Hopefully, Cornelius has brought his resilience to Rangers and can help Martin turn things around in the coming weeks.
The left-footed Canadian defender should be partnered with John Souttar in the backline to bring more balance to the defence.
With Djiga in the team, the Scotland international has played as a left-centre-back and has looked uncomfortable, as the Ibrox faithful expect much better performances from him.
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