Nasser Djiga may have lifeline yet as Kris Boyd raises Rangers concerns
Nasser Djiga has seemingly fallen out of Danny Rohl’s plans, with the centre-back not featuring for Rangers in the last three fixtures.
The Burkina Faso defender began the season as a key figure, starting in 11 of the opening 17 Scottish Premiership matches.
However, John Souttar and Emmanuel Fernandez appear to have pipped him in the pecking order.
Djiga may have some hope for the rest of the season at Ibrox, though, as Rangers legend Kris Boyd has begun to question the aforementioned centre-back pairing as results have started to slip.
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What has Kris Boyd said about John Souttar and Emmanuel Fernandez?
Rangers’ defensive record has taken quite a blow in recent weeks, with 36 per cent of the Gers’ conceded goals coming in just their last four games.
Throughout the season, the Ibrox club have been defensively sound, and that has been a large part of Rohl’s impressive turnaround since joining the Glasgow side.
However, while Rangers were once praised for the compactness, it is that area of their game that is being questioned, as Boyd suggests a shakeup at the back.
Boyd stated via the Daily Record: “I don’t know if Danny Rohl has got a decision to make in terms of the centre-back pairing.
“They were praised, and rightly so, for a period of time there when they’d done really well. But you look at it now, and you’ve got to question the understanding of both John Souttar and Manny Fernandez.”
Of course, if either one of the duo were dropped, that could see Djiga rise through the pecking order and perhaps provide him with another lifeline in G51.
The Wolves loanee has often been questioned for his performances in Scotland, but with a crucial period of the season on its way, he could have a final chance to prove himself.
What happened last time Djiga played for Rangers?
Djiga has not featured for Rangers since a 1-1 draw against Motherwell on 11 February, and while it was a disappointing result, the Burkinabe still completed his job to a high standard.
The 23-year-old won all of his individual battles, with a 100 per cent duel success rate, and was quite active with five interceptions.
There is certainly reason as to why he should be given another chance to shine under Rohl.
Whether or not the German decides to heed the advice given to him from outside noise remains to be seen.
Either way, Rohl must solve the recent defensive lapses that have seemingly begun to creep into his side.
For more in-depth analysis on the Gers, visit Football Insider.