Rangers utility man Dujon Sterling has confirmed what Ibrox Noise reported some weeks ago – his best position is indeed central midfield, but the auxiliary star is happy to play anywhere.
Speaking before Hearts, the impressive 24-year-old, who has been absolutely outstanding in midfield when used there, has found himself on the left and right wings recently, but speaking to the press, he admitted the main slot he’s comfortable in is CM/DM.
He was originally signed as a RB, in a classic case of former manager Michael Beale misunderstanding the player, for even though Sterling played plenty in the English leagues as RB, his youth position was always midfield and that’s where he thrived.
Beale even claimed Sterling was a central defender, which was yet more nonsense from the under-fire and jobless ex-Rangers boss, and Sterling has been rediscovered in a stunning midfield role, in which he’s shone totally.
We’re a little frustrated he’s been ‘wasted’ as LW and RW recently, but it’s hard to argue with the results with all Rangers matches being victories these days.
And we wonder if his being on press duties this weekend suggests he will be back to his proper and accustomed CM slot v Hearts.
Nico Raskin is in shocking form and lacking heart and Jack is rarely fit.
The other options of course are stalwart John Lundstram and new signing Mohamed Diomande who still needs a little time to get up to full match sharpness.
But Dujon will be hoping to play a bigger role in that central berth – it’s where he’s best, and we do feel Rangers’ spine is just so much stronger when he’s in the middle there.
He said:
“The way I have been coached is to learn how to play in several positions and we did this a lot at Chelsea. I have most experience in the midfield but I am just happy to do what is needed for the team.”
That’s polite speak for ‘my favourite position’ but he will clearly take what he is given, he is just happen to play.
We do feel anywhere other than CM doesn’t see anything like the best of him, and it’s a waste, but with Diomande the new recruit in there, Sterling may struggle to get some play time in that slot.
It rests, as always, with the manager.