If Rangers are to go to Parkhead and get the result that Philippe Clement needs to take his team to the top of the Scottish Premiership, he needs his midfield to come out on top.
The last two games has seen the same line-up and, it seems as though the manager has settle on the three that he sees as being his best; John Lundstram, Todd Cantwell and Mohamed Diomande.
And it is the latter who has to do more if Rangers are to win next week and earn Philippe Clement his first Old Firm win.
Mohamed Diomande needs to start dictating play for Rangers
Diomande was given the man of the match by both John Brown on Rangers TV and the match sponsors, and yet there is still more to come from the Ivorian.
The 22-year old lost possession 14 times but also had four key passes.
There are elements of his game that show the potential that he has, but he can also drift in and out of games.
Particularly at Ibrox, with more space, Diomande should be running the show.
Speaking in February, Philippe Clement is clearly impressed with what he has seen so far:
“He’s a high potential player, and I don’t think that Rangers will be his last step. No, I don’t think so, I’m sure.
“Of course, you need some luck with injuries in your career, but if he stays out of that, he’s going to make bigger steps because he has talents, but not only talent, but also the really right mentality to work for the team, to be very concentrated, to be very focussed.
“I think he can (reach the very top).”
Having potential isn’t enough to star at Rangers
The problem is, in games like the win over Kilmarnock, Rangers dominate possession and Mohamed Diomande, as our number eight, is vital in breaking teams down.
He has the vision and passing range to make the difference, but he has to be the one demanding the ball.
On too many occasions, he doesn’t move for the ball or watches phases of play pass him by.
Talent and potential only gets a player so far.
If Diomande is to fulfill his, he must become the player who makes a difference consistently.
It’s not just about getting goals and assists; it’s about driving the tempo and breaking defensive lines.
We’ve seen him do it, he just needs to do it more regularly, he can’t worry about being young or not being at the club for long, he needs to show everyone how good he really is.
