Philippe Clement seems to have been putting out fires ever since he arrived to take over as Rangers boss.
The manager has had to cope with a lengthy injury list, key players being missing, Ianis Hagi and Todd Cantwell not being available, Ibrox being out of commission and not being able to sell individuals that he doesn’t see a future for.
Add officials not doing him any favours in the Champions League qualifiers and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he walked – a new contract proving that he is, in his own words, a “masochist”.
Mohamed Diomande provides solution to Rangers problem
Something that will have been a blessing to Clement is seeing Mohamed Diomande excel in a more advanced position against St Johnstone.
So far, the Ivory Coast international has been seen predominately as a number 8, having to help out defensively and link the defence to the attack.
At Hampden in the 2-0 win over the Saints, Diomande was given more freedom in an advance role supporting a forward three of Rabbi Matondo, Danilo and Vaclav Cerny.
With more pace, mobility and movement, Rangers looked as fluent as they have for some time.
Diomande was pulling the strings, covering every blade of grass in the process.
He seemed freed from the shackles of his normally more defensive job.
The alternative this season has been Tom Lawrence.
A player who looks every inch a man who has spent much of the last two years crippled by various long and short term injuries.
Clement has the players needed to fit the style he wants
Clement will soon have Nicolas Raskin, Connor Barron and Dujon Sterling who can all be played in support of Diomande.
A young, energetic and dynamic quartet who should be trusted to provide the legs in this Rangers side.
When Diomande signed, director of recruitment Nils Koppen couldn’t have been more excited about landing the 23-year old.
“As a recruitment department, we are very pleased to add Mohamed to our Rangers squad after a long and thorough process.
“After analysing data, video and live games over a long period of time, we are convinced that he will add something extra with his high level of athleticism, creative play and strong defensive work.
“I look forward seeing him play in a Rangers jersey and be a part of the amazing Rangers family.”
Diomande’s athleticism, creativity and defensive work can all be done in the attacking areas to good effect.
Against St Johnstone, he was pressing higher up, which then allowed him to have more of an influence on play rather than being too far away from the opposition goal to cause problems.
A regular occurrence, was the Gers number 10 switching play or playing through balls to either winger and turning the visitor’s defence.
It was also the first time this season where the midfield didn’t look over run because Diomande has the energy to drop deeper and still support the attack.
Manager’s often learn through adversity and necessity and Philippe Clement has just stumbled on Rangers best midfield.
