Nasser Djiga: Rangers loanee's stats vs Falkirk show why permanent deal to collapse
Nasser Djiga has managed to revive his Rangers career in recent weeks after previously struggling at Ibrox.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee has become a key player in the Gers’ push for the Scottish Premiership title.
As a result, many fans have been keen to keep the defender at Ibrox long-term due to his performances. However, these hopes were recently damaged, given reports that Wolves want to assess Djiga’s quality in the summer.
Nevertheless, his poor performance in the 6-3 victory over Falkirk showed exactly why a permanent deal cannot be discussed by Rangers.
While three points were achieved, the defensive display left much to be desired in Rangers’ crucial victory.
Nasser Djiga simply isn’t Rangers quality
There is no doubt that every game between now and the end of the season for Rangers is a must-win.
The Gers cannot afford any slip-ups as they could easily cost them the title, resulting in another trophyless season.
| Nasser Djiga's stats vs Falkirk | |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Dispossessed | 1 |
| Tackles | 0 |
| Blocks | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Clearances | 5 |
Yet, if it weren’t for a key tactical change from Rohl at half-time against Falkirk, a defeat would have been likely.
The awful defence display was a key reason for their terrible first-half performance, with Djiga not impressing throughout.
According to Fotmob on 13 April, the defender was dispossessed once, won zero ground duels, did not complete a single tackle or block, with his five clearances being his only highlight.
While Djiga has no doubt improved in recent months, Rangers need players who are at the top of their game week in, week out, especially when titles are on the line at the end of the season.
Therefore, if the opportunity to make Djiga’s stay at Ibrox a permanent one arises at Rangers this summer, the Falkirk game is a key example of why this cannot be pursued.
Who could be Djiga’s replacement at Rangers next season?
Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Rangers are battling Celtic for Luke Graham.
The Dundee star has impressed so far this campaign and helped Falkirk win promotion to the Scottish Premiership last season.
As a result, if Rangers are able to win the race for the 22-year-old, he would surely be a direct Djiga replacement.
However, it remains to be seen if Graham will move to Ibrox in the summer, with plenty of twists and turns in the transfer window expected.