Rangers have Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga to thank for inspiring late title push
Rangers‘ last-gasp Scottish Premiership title charge owes much to two unsung heroes.
Danny Rohl’s side are just three points behind leaders Hearts with seven matches remaining, but their momentum before the international break arguably gives them the edge.
It has been a stunning transformation from Russell Martin’s dismal spell in charge, but Rohl should actually be thanking his rock-solid centre-back duo after their recent heroics.
Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga have built an impressive partnership at the heart of the backline, and without them, Gers would be in a much worse position.
As Rangers prepare to resume their push for top spot on Saturday, an impressive statistic has now emerged that highlights the importance of the two defenders.
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Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga impress
Fernandez is certainly living up to his lofty reputation despite a shaky start to the campaign.
The 24-year-old arrived from Peterborough for £3million after just one standout season in Sky Bet League One, but has now formed a blossoming understanding with Djiga.
| Emmanuel Fernandez | Statistic | Nasser Djiga |
| 21 | Appearances | 18 |
| 9 | Clean sheets | 7 |
| 1.8 | Tackles per game | 1.4 |
| 1.4 | Interceptions per game | 1.5 |
| 4.7 | Recoveries per game | 3.7 |
| 66 | Ground duels won (%) | 70 |
| 72 | Aerial duels won (%) | 61 |
Rohl has been able to lean heavily on them after benching John Souttar, and the reshuffle at the back appears to have actually inspired the Light Blues back into title contention.
Gers have conceded just one goal in their last three matches, with Fernandez and Djiga crucial. Before that, Rangers had conceded eight goals in the previous five games.
Fernandez, in particular, has caught the eye. In his 21 appearances in the Premiership, he has helped the Glasgow outfit keep nine clean sheets, while making 1.8 tackles per game.
On top of that, he has also racked up 4.7 balls recovered and 6.8 clearances per 90, while his 72 per cent success in aerial duels has also made a significant difference.
Djiga has more than played his part alongside him, too. He boasts 1.4 tackles and 3.7 balls recovered per game, and also makes 4.6 clearances on average every 90 minutes.
Together, the two centre-backs have been a stabilising factor in a topsy-turvy campaign, and Rohl’s decision to pair them has had a dramatic effect on the wider title picture.
Now, the question is whether Gers can keep them together beyond the summer.
Danny Rohl deserves credit for transformation
Barry Fry believes Fernandez could be worth £40m at Rangers, and aa much as that price tag looks a little ridiculous at present, the club can’t put a price on his impact.
Starting in 18 of Gers’ last 20 matches in the top-flight, he has scored five goals, with Rohl having brought the best out of him and stood by him while he found his feet at Ibrox.
Djiga also started poorly in Govan, but, slowly but surely, his £10m switch is starting to make sense. Both he and Fernandez are smart on the ball and have, crucially, kept cool heads.
If Rangers do win the title, they will owe much of their success to them.
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