Rangers should unleash powerhouse with 96.6% duel success in new role
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Rangers injury list was starting to look healthier until Neraysho Kasanwirjo and John Souttar created a mini-crisis for Philippe Clement.
The manager had another reminder that Leon Balogun isn't as robust as he once was either when he had to be replaced at Hampden by the most versatile player in the squad.
Dujon Sterling has played everywhere except for striker and in goals, but could he now be about to get a run for Rangers in a position where his talents are a perfect fit?
New Rangers role for Dujon Sterling
Centre-half has become a January transfer priority with Robin Propper the only fully fit senior stopper available.
One statistic that sticks out for Sterling, in terms of his suitability to play centrally, is that he has a duel success rate of 96.6%.
Opposition players just don't get past him.
Not only is Sterling an incredible athlete, but his positioning and aggression make him a nightmare for forwards.
At 6ft 1inch tall, he's not the biggest central defender, however, he has the sort of leap that makes up for this.
The 25-year old has the pace needed to cover large spaces in domestic games and is comfortable in possession too.
What is Dujon Sterling’s best position?
With James Tavernier enjoying a return to form, having someone on his side who can cover him if he gets caught out of position is a huge benefit to Clement in terms of when possession is turned over.
The longest run of games that Sterling has had since signing for Rangers is in the middle of midfield – a position he had never played until moving to Ibrox.
His energy and work rate made him a good fit, but his positional awareness isn't on the same level as someone like Nicolas Raskin.
Right-back remains where Sterling's future should lie, especially against better teams, however, if he impresses in the coming weeks at centre-half, he could make the position his own.
