One of Philippe Clement’s biggest strengths has been getting a tune out of players who had previously either been underperforming or not playing at all, one of those being Dujon Sterling.
The Gers boss claimed he didn’t have a magic wand when he first arrived, however, results and the effect he has had on some of the players in the squad suggests that he definitely has something up his sleeve.
If Rangers are to end the season successfully, players like Dujon Sterling will have to stay fit with one former manager explaining why the ex-Chelsea academy product is so important.
Rangers have a manager’s dream in Dujon Sterling
Until Clement arrived at Ibrox, Sterling had basically been a bit-part player, the odd appearance here and there.
Now though, he is one of the key figures in a team that has enjoyed an upturn in results due largely to the mentality of the manager and those under his charge.
Sterling epitomises this perfectly.
Speaking to The Daily Record, Stoke City manager Alex Neil was effusive in his praise of his former loanee:
“I’m surprised he’s been playing midfield a lot for Rangers though. I think he did that when he was a kid but we predominantly used him as a right back or at left-back.
“We even used him at centre-back because he’s quick and powerful. But I’m not surprised to see that he’s broken his way into the Rangers team because I do have such a high opinion of him.
“I always expected him to find his way in somewhere because he has great physical qualities and I’d expect that in the Scottish Premiership, he’d certainly be one of the best in that regard.
“He’s a good footballer, Dujon. He’s been at Chelsea since he was a kid, he’s had a lot of loan moves too, so he’s had a good footballing education.”
Why Sterling could be key for Rangers in title run-in
Neil goes on to say that Sterling is a manager’s dream.
Ask him to do a job and he’ll do it.
Philippe Clement himself even joked about considering playing Dujon Sterling in goals for Rangers, after all, he’s played everywhere else.
The only position that the 24-year old, who rejected the chance to stay at Stamford Bridge, hasn’t played, is up front.
The scary thing is, he has never looked out of place in any position that he has played either.
Neil is right, Sterling’s attitude and fundamental footballing ability make him the perfect player for any squad.
Add this to his incredible physical attributes and it’s clear to see why Clement values him so highly and why he has become a fans’ favourite.
Sterling might not be a first pick in any of the positions that he has played for Rangers but there can be no arguing that, whenever he does play, the team is stronger for his presence.
