If there is one definitive thing clear for the rest of the season, it is that we know the back six. That is to say, the four defenders, the one goalkeeper, and the one alternating defender. If there is one thing that any successful team needs, it is a settled rearguard. We have spoken at length about this on Ibrox Noise, how important it is to build from the back. It is something the great late Walter Smith used to do, piling his squad with tons of alpha defenders who knew how to stop the ball. It is an art that seems to have been lost ever since he left in 2010. Consequently, Rangers’ defence has been a soft centre ever since, with only rare examples of the back end of the team being solid. This was very fleeting. It simply did not cover enough of what Rangers needed.
The current settled Rangers back line
But at the moment, there is a bit more of a settled look. Butland in goal, and the back four of Rommens, Fernandez, Djiga, and an alternating pair of Tavernier and Sterling. That is, quite simply, Rangers’ defence for the rest of the season, injuries notwithstanding. It has been reasonably robust. We cannot say it has been spectacular, but it has been the best defence that we have had all season within what is admittedly rather low competition.
Why Djiga and Fernandez are now first choice
It is nice, of course, to see Nasser Djiga finally receiving credit. Ibrox Noise knew how good a defender he was, and we have stayed steadfast to that belief all season. It is only now that other fans are finally seeing what we knew we had signed in the first place. As for Fernandez, he has surprised many. Is he a great brute force defender? Not especially. However, he is good at aerial clearances, strong in the air, and of course, he can score goals. He seems to also be building an understanding with Djiga, which is essential. It is not perfect, but it is at least something.
Right back balance between Tavernier and Sterling
And of course, the fullback areas are starting to look quite solid. On the right, we have James Tavernier, whose legs are not exactly there anymore, but he does support attack reasonably well. His defending is definitely not what it was. He is not tracking back with the same pace he once had. His defending, of course, was never as strong as it should have been. Alternately with him is Dujon Sterling. He is solid, young, quick, and strong. Ibrox would much rather him in defensive midfield, but he will be right back in Rangers’ defence for the rest of the season. That does seem to be, for now, the most solid option in that position.
Tuur Rommens transforming the left side
Meanwhile, his counterpart on the other side is Tuur Rommens. Rommens has been a revelation as a Rangers signing. He is a clear, immediate impact defender at Rangers level who has shown quality and class. Rommens reminds most fans of Arthur Numan. He has been an absolute bargain at around £4M. He has made a huge difference on that side and is obviously supporting the attackers with great vigour, far better than any previous options Rangers have had for a long time.
Why defensive consistency is key for the title run
This is Rangers’ best bet for a title chance, having that solid defence and settled back line that remains consistent. You will never get anywhere by changing the defenders all the time. It simply does not work. You need understanding. It is the one part of the team that really does need time in order to forge that understanding long term. It appears now that Djiga and Fernandez in the middle will be the pairing going into these last seven games. Any changes there would be very dangerous and very unwise.
John Souttar’s decline and reduced role
Of course, the other player who has lost his place now completely is John Souttar. He is nowhere to be seen apart from the bench and just is not doing it at all for the team. He is not shining in the slightest, which is a shame because he was once potentially a real Rangers level defender. However, he just did not graduate to that level and has been weak this season. He will play very little part, we would suggest, towards the end of the season. As it is, we’ve settled for Rangers’ defence at the back that we have. It’s decent.