GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Rangers’ summer acquisition Now, Dujon Sterling is the ideal illustration of how a few weeks can alter a football player’s career.
The former Chelsea young player, who excelled when on loan at Stoke City the previous season, joined on a free transfer in the summer, but his position at Ibrox has been restricted because of injuries.
The 23-year-old has only made a few appearances in the Scottish Premiership this season. Michael Beale used him on the left side of defense in the first Old Firm Derby of the season, which was against Celtic. That was his only start.
It was a tactical choice that most definitely backfired.
In the match, Sterling was replaced just after the hour mark because he was one of several Rangers players who struggled against Brendan Rodgers’ team. He only won 44% of his nine ground duels and failed to finish any of his three dribbling attempts [Fotmob].
Journalist Chris Jack stated at the Rangers Review morning briefing on October 26 that Philippe Clement was already “forgotten” among the team and that Sterling isn’t prepared to take his chance, therefore Clement is “paying the price” of his predecessor’s choice.
The former Chelsea academy star appeared to be ready for a quick departure from Ibrox.
But in his four cameo appearances under new manager Clement, he was quite impressive, winning 100% of his ground duels, completing 100% of his dribbles, 75% of his passes, and recording two clearances when he entered the game against Hearts on December 6. [SofaScore].
After Jose Cifuentes’ controversial red card, he played an unusual role in midfield against Dundee United on Saturday, December 9. In that match, he had a chance to score after having a shot cannon back off the post.
Many would have anticipated that, only a few months after joining the team, Sterling would be among the first players out when Clement underwent a squad overhaul in January.
That has all changed, though, as Sterling is now expected to emerge from his injuries at Ibrox as an invaluable midfield asset. The important midfield veteran John Lunstram hobbled out in the first half following a terrible challenge from Diallang Jaiyesimi, for which he was rightfully sent off following a VAR intervention. This left the Belgian coach furious following their 2-0 victory against St Johnstone.
The Gers’ Christmas Eve encounter against Motherwell will be missed due to Lundstram’s scheduled scans, as confirmed by Clement. This means that Tom Lawrence, Ryan Jack, Cifuentes, and Nicolas Raskin are no longer available, leaving them with a severely disturbed and weakened midfield lineup.
As a result, Sterling will be ready for consistent playing time. His remarkable midfield cameos in recent weeks have made him an invaluable asset, despite the fact that only a few weeks ago, his pitiful Rangers career appeared to be coming to an end.
With James Tavernier playing well, it’s unclear when Sterling will make his debut at his preferred position at right back. For now, though, he’s needed in midfield.
It’s amazing how fast a football player’s career may take a positive turn. Sterling is currently the quintessential illustration of that reality.
