Michael Stewart has informed Philippe Clement that he must “find somewhere” to replace Dujon Sterling in the Rangers starting lineup.
The Englishman has been a peripheral figure at Ibrox so far this season, starting just two Premiership matches despite putting pen to paper on a new deal just before the international break in Glasgow.
The optimum position for Sterling is still unknown, but Premier Sports analyst Stewart feels that the Light Blues and Clement “cannot afford” to start the Englishman every single game.
Speaking on The Scottish Football Social Club (7 October, 31:50) he remarked: “I said this yesterday on commentary.
“For me, you’ve got to find somewhere in the team for him. On his game, he is a guy who Rangers cannot afford to not have in the team so you’ve got to try and bring him up to speed and get him in the team someplace.
Because he adds dynamism and energy to the midfield and is aware of when to fill in, tack and add a little bite, it’s possible that he plays in the middle of the field.
“You don’t really have a physical presence if he isn’t in there.”
What is the current status of Dujon Sterling at Ibrox and Rangers?
It is difficult to argue that Sterling isn’t among the finest players on this Rangers team right now when he is playing at his best.
In Clement’s first season in Glasgow, the adaptable right-back was unquestionably one of the most reliable players, shining as a midfielder, centre-back, and winger while so many other players found it difficult to fit into the Scottish style.
However, the Englishman hasn’t performed up to par this term for whatever reason. He did experience a few setbacks due to injuries during the preseason, and one has to question if it has prevented him from fully recovering.
Stewart is correct when he suggests that Sterling gives the Gers a far stronger physical presence in the middle of the park, but Clement cannot risk playing an out-of-form player when he has so many good midfield options available to him.
In the end, Sterling has to convince the Belgian that Stewart is right and that the Gers cannot afford to let him go.
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