Barry Ferguson reckons Philippe Clement has a player in his Rangers squad who can do a job for him anywhere on the pitch.
Dujon Sterling has been one of the most improved players under Clement this season after hardly getting a look in under Michael Beale.
The latter manager signed him on a free transfer from Chelsea in the summer and was primarily brought in as cover for James Tavernier at right-back.
Of course, goal machine Tavernier’s role as Rangers captain and his ability to avoid injury for long spells meant Sterling featured in just two of the first 14 Scottish Premiership games of the season [Transfermarkt].
But the intelligent Clement identified Sterling’s versatility could be a huge asset for his squad and began to utilise the Englishman in central midfield.
One of the first times Rangers fans witnessed this was the famous Europa League victory over Real Betis in Seville that secured Gers’ passage to the last 16 stage.
Sterling was very comfortable on the ball, covered a lot of ground and displayed an athleticism that not many of his teammates possess.
He also shone in the Viaplay Cup Final against Aberdeen so it is clear Clement has a player he can trust. That is why, since then, we’ve seen Sterling play as a winger against certain opposition.
The 24-year-old’s good form was disrupted by a two-match suspension after he was controversially shown a red card in Neil Warnock’s first game as Aberdeen manager a few weeks ago.
But Sterling is back available for selection and played a part in last weekend’s win over St Johnstone. He will be hoping for a start this afternoon against Hearts but the emergence of Mohamed Diomande is providing competition in the middle of the pitch alongside John Lundstram.
Barry Ferguson raves about Dujon Sterling
Dujon Sterling was brought up during a discussion on The Go Radio Football Show and Barry Ferguson was on hand to rave about the star.
The former Ibrox captain thinks it is vitally important to have someone of Sterling’s versatility in a squad and thinks he’s one of Philippe Clement’s most important players, even if he isn’t one to start every game.
Ferguson said of Sterling: “Listen, the only positions he’s not played in yet is up front or in goals – you can play him anywhere. He came in as a defender but played central midfield and I thought he was immense in there.
“He’s played on the right side, he’s played on the left side and see when you’ve got players like that in the squad, it makes a massive difference.
“I really enjoy seeing him. He’s a real athlete as well and he can get about the pitch. He’s an important player for the manager.”
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