The numbers that suggest Nasser Djiga is not the problem at Rangers
Nasser Djiga has been scapegoated at Rangers, but he may not actually be the issue.
Djiga arrived at Rangers on loan from Wolves this summer, and he had a shaky start to his career in Scotland, as he was sent off in the 1-1 draw with Dundee on 9 August.
He has often been pegged as the reason for the Gers’ defensive woes, and it has been suggested that Rangers could terminate Djiga’s loan.
However, this might not be the case, as his numbers for the Ibrox side suggest a completely different picture.
Nasser Djiga has outstanding stats for Rangers
Djiga has had shaky moments for Rangers, there is no doubt about that, but the stats suggest that he can be a reliable option for Danny Rohl.
The 22-year-old ranks top of the Scottish Premiership for interceptions per 90 amongst defenders to have played more than five times, with two, per Sofascore.
He also ranks third for aerial duel win rate with 72.22 per cent and second for total duels won with 70 per cent.
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Rangers may have to trust Djiga in the future
Those numbers suggest that he is not the problem, in fact, they would make it seem like he is far from it.
Dijga may just need to be given the manager’s backing, and shown confidence and the mistakes may leave his game.
- Djiga has featured 17 times so far since joining the Light Blues on a temporary basis
- He has featured in five of Rohl’s matches in the dugout
- The Wolves loanee has started four of those appearances under the new boss
The stats imply that there is a solid defender at the Gers’ disposal, and the Burkina Faso international may have a route back up Rohl’s pecking order.
All may not be lost for Djiga in Govan just yet, and if he can impress the ex-Sheffield Wednesday boss, he may find himself back in favour soon enough.
If the manager sees the data, he may decide to keep him around, as opposed to letting him return to the Premier League club, as has been suggested.
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