The return of Dujon Sterling could be a Rangers game-changer | OneFootball

The return of Dujon Sterling is clearly one of the biggest boosts that Rangers could have had in recent times. If there is one thing that Rangers are abundantly lacking it is power. Pace is also probably on the short side. Power has been really lacking at Ibrox for a long time.

The long standing lack of physicality

We can all blame Mark Warburton for bringing in his cheap tiki tika, his cheap Barcelona style football, which was effective enough in the lower leagues, especially with the fast zippies like players that he used. These days those players get bullied. Steven Gerrard saw a better way and did bring in major stormtroopers like Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack, tougher players like Leon Balogun and Alfredo Morelos. These guys had a bit about them, a bit of weight.

A squad now filled with lighter players

We have since gone back to what we would call the weedy players. Nico Raskin might be five foot nine and not a total waif, but he is no powerhouse. The same applies to Dio. Joe Rothwell is not exactly presence either. Other players have some pace in places, but they have no power. We cannot think of a single Rangers player that would intimidate anyone. There is no one big apart from the guy in goal.

Why Sterling changes the dynamic

Rangers need more power. Dujon Sterling nails that. This is a strong boy. Strong, quick, powerful with an excellent pass on him. He is best placed in defensive midfield as a destroyer, as an enforcer. Dare we say it, as a Callum McGregor, Scott Brown and indeed our Barry Ferguson type. He will not playmake like some of those, but he can break up play. He is strong and will impose himself.

Injury concerns remain a major worry

His big flaw is the reason he is returning. Injury. He seems too prone to injuries too often. It is a massive concern of Ibrox Noise that he has these issues. We would love to build our midfield around a strong guy like him. Sadly we cannot trust him not to get injured any minute now. We hope we are wrong. We hope he can stay fit and play a big role in midfield.

Why midfield is his true position

Having a strong defensive midfielder is something that Rangers need. We have players who are technically defensive midfielders, but they do not have the power. The usual types will tell us that Sterling is a right back. That is his position. No it is not. As we keep pointing out, he was raised as a youth player in the Chelsea Academy as a midfielder. A very good one.

How he became labelled a right back

He went on loan because he was not quite at the level for the first team. His loan sides used him as a right back. It was not where he was trained. He became good enough to play there, but he was not outstanding in that position. Sterling is a decent, serviceable right back but not a great one. He is not a very good left back. He is however an excellent defensive midfielder and stomps over opponents.

Welcoming a genuine enforcer

Bullying opposite players is what Rangers players need to do. Sterling can do that. We welcome him back with open arms.