‘Ridiculous’… Barry Ferguson believes the 24-year-old’s zeal for the Rangers is contagious.
Rangers are wonderful. Barry Ferguson singled out one Rangers player for praise following Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Benfica.
The Gers will return to Ibrox next week after being trounced twice by the Portuguese giants in the opening leg of the Europa League last-16 match.
Rangers scored twice on the night, with Tom Lawrence scoring the first and Dujon Sterling adding the second. Unfortunately, Angel Di Maria’s penalty and Connor Goldson’s own goal drew things level in Lisbon.
Although Philippe Clement regarded Fabio Silva as one of the team’s best players, Ferguson highlighted Sterling’s accomplishments.
The athletic right-back was deployed on the wing and delivered a terrific performance. Sterling had 100% shot accuracy and tackle rate, with three touches in the opponent’s box and five important defensive actions (FotMob).
His efforts were rewarded with a goal just before halftime, when he slipped into the Benfica area unseen, something the Rangers players and staff worked on, and slotted home with ease.
Ferguson, writing in his Daily Record column, is still amazed by Sterling’s energy and enthusiasm for the game. And the ex-Ibrox captain confesses he would have liked to share a dressing room with the former Chelsea star.
Barry Ferguson’s penalty and Dujon Sterling.
Barry Ferguson criticized the penalty decision against Rangers, calling it ‘baffling’. He went on to compliment Rangers’ resilience and Sterling’s individual performance.
The 44-year-old stated, “I have to say, I felt the same way. Deep down, I was rather sad that the Rangers did not win over there. The fact that they lost two difficult goals most likely didn’t help.
“I’m not sure what the rules are for a penalty kick because John Souttar clearly headed the ball into his own hand.”
“Not only that, but by doing so, he redirected it towards goal when it should have gone out for a corner, forcing his own goalkeeper to make an excellent reflex save.
“On what planet is it imposed as a punishment against Benfica? But, as Clement himself stated, there’s no use in wailing about it these days because puzzling judgments are being made everywhere.
“Connor Goldson’s own goal was terrible. There is no other way to express it. But, once again, I applaud the Rangers for refusing to fold or roll over in the face of adversity.
“I have to give a special mention to Dujon Sterling, who has probably played every position except goalkeeper in the last few months.”
“His excitement is contagious. His energy levels are crazy. And his ability to adapt to various positions on the club has been outstanding.
“He doesn’t just adapt to whatever role he’s given. He excels at all of them, and as a teammate, I’d love to have him in my locker room.
“He appears to be eager to learn and progress as a player. He’s also an outright winner, and I’ll take that on my squad any day of the week.
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