‘He Makes My Life Easier’: Fernandez Hails Sterling’s Impact on Rangers Back Line

Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez has underlined the growing influence of Dujon Sterling at Ibrox, describing the right-back as the kind of team-mate every centre-half wants alongside him.

Sterling, who joined Rangers from Chelsea in 2023, is in what Fernandez views as his strongest spell in Glasgow, featuring regularly on the right side of defence and enjoying a largely injury-free run.

Sterling’s Consistency Strengthens Rangers’ Defensive Core

Speaking ahead of the William Hill Premiership fixture against Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday evening, Fernandez – a centre-back who arrived from Peterborough in July 2025 – was unequivocal about Sterling’s importance.

“Amazing, there aren’t many right-backs you would want other than Dujon,” Fernandez said.

“I feel like defensively I don’t think anyone gets past him. He’s got everything – he’s quick, he’s athletic, he can get forward, he can get back, and I feel like playing with him makes my life easier as well, knowing that there’s cover and support next to me.”

(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

In a league where defensive reliability often separates title contenders from the rest, a settled right-back-centre-back partnership is a significant asset. The William Hill Premiership operates under the Scottish Professional Football League structure, and clubs competing at the top end of the table face intense physical and tactical demands across a long campaign under the governance of the Scottish Professional Football League.

From Chelsea Youth Ranks to Ibrox Mainstay

Fernandez’s admiration for Sterling is rooted not only in their time together at Rangers but in earlier impressions formed during their youth careers in England.

“Growing up, I used to see him play for Chelsea under-18s and I was thinking, ‘who the hell is that fast guy?’” Fernandez recalled.

“I also played against him in a pre-season game once so I knew he was very quick.”

Sterling’s pathway from the Chelsea academy system to a regular starting role at Rangers reflects a broader trend of English-developed players using the Scottish top flight as a platform to play senior football at major clubs, in front of demanding crowds and under constant competitive pressure.

The Value of a Full Pre-Season

For Fernandez, Sterling’s current form is closely tied to a sustained period of uninterrupted preparation and match rhythm.

“Obviously I didn’t really know too much of football up here and how he was doing up here, but I’m glad to have him as a team-mate. He’s an excellent player,” he said.

“As a player, I think you do benefit from pre-season. I feel like having that full pre-season period, getting your body up to the standards it needs, is one of the best things.

“I know some players are different than others, and when they do get injuries, to come back mid-season and trying to get up to 90 minutes can cause other problems.

“Now that he’s had that pre-season and 90s under his belt, he’s going to have better consistency.”

A complete pre-season remains one of the most controllable factors for elite clubs trying to maintain high intensity over a full schedule of league fixtures and domestic cup commitments. For a defender like Sterling, whose game is built on acceleration, recovery runs and repeated sprints, that conditioning base is crucial in delivering the kind of reliability managers look for when selecting their back four.

Impact on Rangers’ Wider Campaign

Rangers’ visit to Dundee at Dens Park is another test in a Premiership season where defensive stability can dictate momentum in both league and cup pursuits. With fixtures governed by the SPFL calendar and, in domestic competition, by regulations overseen by the Scottish Football Association, squad depth and player availability are constantly under scrutiny.

In that context, Fernandez’s comments highlight why Sterling’s presence matters beyond individual performances:

• A reliable right-back gives Rangers’ central defenders consistent support in wide areas.
• Sterling’s ability to move up and down the flank allows tactical flexibility, whether the team is protecting a lead or chasing a result.
• His fitness and availability lessen the need for positional reshuffles that can disrupt defensive understanding.

For an international audience, the message from inside the Rangers dressing room is clear: as the Glasgow club navigates a demanding domestic schedule, Dujon Sterling’s form and durability on the right side of defence have become a cornerstone of their ambitions – and a source of confidence for the team-mates lining up alongside him.