Rangers have started their summer transfer window with keen intent.
Russell Martin has already been granted six new signings, with the understanding that huge improvements are needed to close last seasons 17-point gap to Old Firm rivals and reigning champions Celtic.
Two of these six signings have come in central defence, with Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga recruited from Peterborough United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively.
Fernandez arrived for a hefty fee of around £3m, whilst Djiga arrives on a season-long loan from the Premier League.
Martin has clearly prioritised this position, which is the foundation of his football.
This Rangers recruitment analysis and player analysis will examine the two profiles that the Gers have scouted, investigating how well they fit into Russel Martin tactics and how they could pair up in the lineup next season.
Russell Martin Tactics
The current options for Rangers at centre-half are Robin Propper, Leon King, John Souttar and Ben Davies.
Ben Davies and Leon King spent last year on loan and look set to depart again, and Propper is rumoured to be rejoining his former club, FC Twente.
As such, Rangers needed a significant overhaul in this department, hence the prioritisation.
Russell Martins style of football is built upon control and possession dominance.
He consistently looks to build out from the back, and this philosophy remained unchanged even when his Southampton side conceded an abundance of goals in the Premier League.
Because of these philosophies, Martin requires a lot from his defenders.
The two main necessities he looks for are:
- The physical attributes to play in a high line
- The technicality to play out of the back with confidence
Below, we will analyse whether Djiga and Fernandez have the traits required to succeed.
Player Profiles
Nasser Djiga
Nasser Djiga is a 22-year-old central defender.
He is 623 and weighs roughly 84kg.
Despite his young age, Djiga has racked up over 100 appearances for European Clubs.
He started his career at Vitesse before making his first major transfer to FC Basel.
From Basel, he went on loan moves to Nîmes Olympiques and FK Crvena zvezda before the latter purchased him permanently.
Red Star sold him to Wolves in his third permanent move for a fee of around £10m.
After six months at Wolves, hed made six Premier League appearances.
However, Vitor Pereira decided he was best suited to a season in Scotland to help acclimatise to British Football.
Emmanuel Fernandez
Emmanuel Fernandez is a 23-year-old central defender.
He is 653 and weighs roughly 84kg.
Fernandez has also moved about at a young age; however has not experienced the same European pedigree as Djiga.
He started at Gillinghams academy and went on non-league loans before permanently joining Ramsgate.
He quickly stood out at this level, and Peterborough United, renowned for their savvy recruitment, swooped in.
Peterborough loaned him to Spalding United and Barnet; upon his return, the Posh gave him a chance in the first team.
Since then, he has gone on to make over 70 appearances, impressing massively and hence earning a big-money move to the Scottish giants, Rangers.
Strengths As A Potential Pairing
Nasser Djiga Radar Chart
Emmanuel Fernandez Radar Chart
Physical Supremacy
Djiga and Fernandez are both very physically gifted defenders.
They are blessed with strength, agility, and relative speed for the position.
This is potentially something Rangers lacked
