The Ibrox centre-back has formed a formidable partnership with the £3m summer signing in recent weeks, leading to four clean sheets in their last five outings.

Fernandez owned up to having a tough start to the season but believes he is finding his feet again under Derek McInnes.

💪 His "shaky" start but "more to come" ⛔️ Aim to concede the fewest league goals 🤝 Relationship with "amazing" Makhanya 🏆 No Europe could boost domestic title hopes Hear from Rangers' Emmanuel Fernandez ahead of Saturday's trip to face Dundee - live on Sky Sports 📺 https://t.co/WK4oHoeghy

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 15, 2026

Speaking on Sky Sports, Fernandez said: "I think he is amazing.

"I think that was probably like one of the perfect things to put in the team and I feel like he is going to grow as a player and keep getting better every game.

"I feel like, even Ivor [Pandur] behind, the saves he makes is amazing, too. Having that behind you knowing that if there is a potential shot on your goal he was going to save it is something that is great, too."

Quizzed on his own form, Fernandez added: "Obviously, it was a bit shaky at the beginning.

"But I feel like I am getting back into my groove and there is more to come - similar performances towards last season. But it will all come in due time."

And Fernandez has admitted Rangers' absence from Europe this season could prove to be a benefit in domestic action, but only if properly utilised.

"Less games means less injuries lets say and more time to be ready," he said.

"As a group, we can get closer together and know each other more.

"Obviously, it could be a benefit for us, but we still need to go into games with the same focus, knowing that we might have a week off and other people may have a few days, but we still need to be at it and ready to go."