Mohamed Diomande is the sort of player that Rangers have to sign if they want to progress and return to the top of Scottish football.
A bold statement given the 23-year old’s £4.3m transfer fee paid in January 2024, however, his profile is exactly what elite level clubs are looking for.
Tall, athletic, comfortable on the ball and capable of scoring goals with either foot, Diomande also has a positional flexibililty that makes him a manager’s dream.
And yet, despite earning senior honours for the Ivory Coast, Diomande is still dividing opinion amongst Rangers fans.
Thankfully, even if his tenure as Rangers manager might be short, Barry Ferguson looks to be having a positive influence on the midfield dynamo.
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Mohamed Diomande on Barry Ferguson as Rangers manager
Speaking ahead of the final Old Firm derby of the season, Diomande revealed what impact Ferguson has had on his game in recent months after a blockbuster display in the Parkhead victory:
“So, I keep my ears open and listen to what he has to say. He wants us to grow as people too and to push each other. He also listens to me. I have some knowledge of the game as well, so we speak to each other a lot.
“When he came he had his ideas also but I am sure he has been watching the games because he is a legend for Rangers. I’m sure when he stopped playing, he was still following the team when the old manager was here.
“I think he knew the kind of player I was. He just gave me some of his ideas too and I think I’ve picked them up quickly. I think he gave me trust and I showed I’m ready to play under him.”
It is the one area of the park that Ferguson should be able to lend a hand with.
If Diomande and Nicolas Raskin pick up one or two good habits from the Hall of Fame legend then his stint as interim boss has been worthwhile.
What needs to happen next, is for Diomande to become the main man, a proper number eight and it will be hoped that the next boss uses him properly.
Could Steven Gerrard be the man to unlock Diomande potential?
Steven Gerrard is heavily tipped to take the Rangers job and would be perfect for Diomande.
Not only did the former boss improve every midfielder that he managed in his time at Ibrox, but the system he preferred would get the best out of Diomande.
Currently, the Rangers No.10 is having to do a lot of work at both ends of the park, but in Gerrard’s system, he would get more help with an extra body alongside him, allowing him to make runs behind the opposition.
Having seen his best, there is clearly more to come from Diomande, hopefully Rangers see it next season.
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