Kevin Muscat must be brutal with Mohamed Diomande as Rangers figures embarrass
Mohamed Diomande has been afforded massive leeway at Rangers as Russell Martin has dominated headlines this season.
Martin was sacked after dropping points against Falkirk in the William Hill Premiership, with the Gers rooted to eighth in the table in what has been a grim few months.
Kevin Muscat’s contract details are being finalised at Ibrox, with the Shanghai Port head coach in pole position to replace the former Southampton boss.
While it remains to be seen whether the Australian manager will opt to wait for the Chinese Super League season to end on 22 November before arriving at the Glaswegian outfit, he will be expected to turn things around in G51, and Diomande may be looking over his shoulder.
Mohamed Diomande one of the worst Rangers players, the numbers back it
Diomande should be embarrassed by his performances at the Gers this season, with an average Sofascore rating of 6.46 in 14 matches.
In 10 starts under Martin, the midfielder managed to create just one big chance, and it’s no wonder the Light Blues have struggled in the final third in the current campaign.
In the William Hill Premiership, the Cote d’Ivoire star is ranked last in terms of average Sofascore ratings, 6.37, for players at the Glaswegian outfit who have made at least 50 per cent of league appearances.
It looks like Nicolas Raskin’s absence from the starting lineup also affected Diomande, but the 23-year-old has to take responsibility for his poor displays.
In the Europa League, the midfielder was sent off in the 1-0 loss to Genk on 25 September, compounding the former Southampton boss’ miseries during that time.
Once Muscat arrives at the Gers, the first order of business should be being brutally honest with the Ivorian national about his displays this season.
Mohamed Diomande compared to Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson
Diomande is severely underperforming at Ibrox, and nothing highlights that more than comparing his statistics with Kilmarnock’s David Watson, who’s been one of the best players in Scotland in the 2025-26 season.
The two midfielders have played in similar positions for their respective teams in the William Hill Premiership, but Rangers should be disappointed with their star at Ibrox.
| Mohamed Diomande | Statistics | David Watson |
| 6 | Appearances | 7 |
| 0 | Goals | 3 |
| 0 | Assists | 1 |
| 0.8 | Interceptions | 0.9 |
| 1.3 | Tackles | 2.1 |
| 2.8 (45.9%) | Ground Duels won (percentage) | 6 (54.5%) |
| 0.2 (16.7%) | Aerial duels won (percentage) | 0.6 (23.5%) |
| 0.8 | Successful dribbles | 1.1 |
In terms of goal contributions in the current league campaign, Watson has four, while Diomande has failed to register a goal or assist.
The Kille ace has also made significant contributions in other areas of the pitch under Stuart Kettlewell, with notably better defensive statistics compared to the Cote d’Ivoire international.
Kevin Muscat has few replacements for Mohamed Diomande at Rangers
Connor Barron’s influence at Ibrox has increased recently, and the 23-year-old deserves an opportunity ahead of Diomande at the Gers.
Lyall Cameron has also shown glimpses of his talent at the Light Blues, and Muscat may be able to get more out of him in a different system.
With a double pivot of Raskin and Barron, with Cameron playing in a more advanced midfield role, the Shanghai Port manager may have the formula to change the situation in G51.
Diomande, Joe Rothwell and Thelo Aasgaard have a lot to prove at the Glaswegian outfit before fans see them as undisputed starters at Ibrox under Muscat.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @ibroxnews247