Andy Halliday has heavily criticized Emmanuel Fernandez for his display in Rangers' 2-1 loss to Jagiellonia Bialystok in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round. The former Ibrox midfielder believes the Nigeria international's early-season performances show he cannot be 'trusted' by Derek McInnes to anchor the Gers' defense.
Fernandez, 25, faced criticism for his display in the 1-1 draw against Dundee United in the Premiership opener and was partly at fault for both of Bialystok's goals at the Chorten Arena. Rangers now need to overturn a 2-1 deficit at Ibrox next week.
Defensive Reinforcements and Injury Concerns
McInnes has bolstered his defensive ranks with the signings of Ben Godfrey on loan from Atalanta and Olwethu Makhanya on a permanent deal from Philadelphia Union. However, England international Godfrey is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury in the draw at Tannadice, while Makhanya has yet to appear for his new team. Rangers are also listening to offers for out-of-favor veteran defender John Souttar, who has interest from the English Championship.
Fernandez lined up alongside versatile midfielder Dujon Sterling against Bialystok, and Halliday voiced his concerns about Fernandez's defensive capabilities on BBC Radio Scotland.
Halliday's Verdict on Fernandez
Halliday said: "Everywhere he (McInnes) has went, there are always players he trusts to play in the big games. If you spoke to Derek McInnes right now without a microphone in front of him and asked 'do you trust Fernandez?' there is no way he says yes, no way. But he doesn't have the option at this moment in time to play someone else."
"I am being very critical here. I think Emmanuel Fernandez has every attribute to be a top, top centre half. But he looks as if he is someone who has not had the education growing up about the basics of being a centre half. For me it's the basic art of defending (with Fernandez). His body shape his body position, when to drop and when to squeeze. When the ball goes over his head he should sprint and utilise his pace to get back in. He doesn't have that education of being an out-and-out centre half."
"When Rangers get a corner kick, he is that desperate to score goals that he stays up (in the box) for a further minute, even when it's been cleared out of the box. For me, he doesn't have the defensive instincts to be relied upon to be that ultimate defender, which is why I think his partner has to be a more defensive minded player who can talk him through games."
Halliday added: "Ben Godfrey should be that the type of player but the big thing through the course of his career has been his durability. That's a real worry for me, in terms of their personnel there at the minute. I don't think they are players Derek McInnes can trust."
