Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez, rated by Transfermarkt as the most valuable player in Scotland with a price tag north of £16m, should be taken out of the firing line after a difficult performance at Dens Park. The 25-year-old was out of position for both goals as Rangers dropped two points against Dundee on Saturday night.
Mistakes under the spotlight
For Bradley Fink's opener, Fernandez failed to drop deep enough to offer backup protection for Dujon Sterling's under-hit back pass. In the second half, he was caught ahead of the ball when he should have been tucked in to deal with the danger when Dan Neil exposed the Gers defence.
These are the kind of errors he has made too often this season, according to analysis of his displays. Both Fernandez and his manager Derek McInnes have candidly admitted that his focus levels are the No1 issue he must address to fulfil his potential.
A late bloomer in football terms
Despite turning 25 in July, Fernandez is relatively inexperienced in senior football. He had barely kicked a ball in the senior ranks down south until 2024, the year before Russell Martin handed him a chance at Ibrox. He started at Gillingham as a trainee, dropped down the English pyramid, and was plucked by Peterborough from Ramsgate in the seventh tier.
By the time he joined Rangers last summer aged 24, he had amassed just 60 League One appearances. He is now almost up to the 50-mark in a blue jersey but still going through growing pains as a Rangers player.
Time for a breather
McInnes may be well advised to treat Fernandez like a hopeful youngster, similar to how Sir Alex Ferguson managed the Class of 92 at Manchester United, judging when players needed a rest or a reality check. Ben Godfrey, on loan from Atalanta, is waiting in the wings for a chance to rediscover the form that earned him England caps at Everton.
Saturday's home game against St Johnstone appears a good opportunity to give Godfrey a start. For Fernandez, a break could offer a chance to reflect on his growth and work on where he still needs to improve, allowing his potential to be realised.
