Tom English blasts Rangers player after what happened vs Aberdeen – ‘they’re not winning the league with him’
Rangers have thrust themselves right back into title contention with two victories in three days.
Rangers dominated Aberdeen at Ibrox to assert their title credentials on 6 January, after they secured a memorable comeback win over Celtic on 3 January.
Danny Rohl has revived a side that looked down and out when Russell Martin was sacked, but there is a long way to go in the Scottish Premiership.
The former Sheffield Wednesday man has been told that one play is not good enough after his showing in the victory over the Dons.
Emmanuel Fernandez slammed after Rangers vs Aberdeen scenes
Fernandez scored the opening goal in Rangers’ win, but he has been blasted for his defensive abilities.
Tom English believes that the 24-year-old is not good enough to help the Gers win the league, and they need an upgrade.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound on 6 January, he said: “Fernandez looks extremely sluggish, his appreciation of immediate danger is very suspect.
“I know he’s scoring goals, but there are too many mistakes in this guy. Rangers need better. I’m not sure they’re winning a league with him.”
Why English’s verdict on Fernandez is very harsh
To make a sweeping statement on Fernandez‘s ability is not fair at this point.
He has only played 14 times for the Gers in all competitions since joining from Peterborough, and most of them have come under Rohl, after being in the cold under Russell Martin.
The German manager is still implementing his system, and regular centre-backs like John Souttar and Derek Cornelius have been out injured, so Fernandez has been thrown into the deep end.
Ultimately, what he does at the other end may end up being more important for the Gers, if they are to close down Hearts and lift the championship in May.
If the young defender keeps scoring goals, it may not even matter what he is doing defensively, as it may take Rohl’s side to the title, but the criticism feels harsh.
Whether Rohl heeds English’s advice remains to be seen, he may choose to keep Fernandez playing while he is putting the ball in the back of the net.
His strikers seem to struggle to do that, so it makes sense to exploit something that is working in front of goal, for a long as it continues to benefit his side.
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