While Ibrox Noise seems like the Dujon Sterling Rangers defence show today, nevertheless, there is something that we must discuss about Sterling, and that is on top of the contract and injury issues.

That is Sterling’s astonishing importance now and his unsung hero status at the club.

There is no coincidence, as we know, that when he came off in the second half against Kilmarnock, the Rangers performance completely crashed.

This is not to say that he is the best or most important player that we have, but he is an utterly critical component. He’s a vital cog in the machine.

Rangers’ defence transformation with Sterling

Rangers have not had a robust defence for years. We have not had a rearguard that is stable, strong and capable of keeping sides out.

But this season, there has been a huge difference.

While the jury is still out, and will always be out, on Emmanuel Fernandez’s defensive abilities, his clearances are solid and he is powerful in the air.

Add to that, however, the three outstanding players around him, and suddenly Rangers have a very, very solid defence.

James Penrice has been excellent since arriving from AEK. Olwethu Makhanya has been an absolute revelation since arriving from the MLS, and of course, Sterling himself has stepped up to the plate as Rangers’ firmly established right back.

The Dujon Sterling difference between Rangers’ old and new defence

The right back is a crucial part of this. We’ve discussed it before.

James Tavernier and Connor Goldson versus Dujon Sterling and Olwethu Makhanya doesn’t even come close.

The two Englishmen were subpar. They were poor in defence. They were soft centred, and it was an extremely frail side of Rangers’ rearguard.

In all fairness, Rangers’ entire rearguard wasn’t at its best, but those two were an absolute symptom of it.

Today we have Sterling, who is a core part of a solid rearguard and lets next to nothing get past him.

Next to him is either Makhanya or Fernandez, depending on the formation, usually Makhanya, often Fernandez.

Either way, it’s a robust setup of three players who all bring something solid to the rearguard.

Strength and solidity at the back of Rangers defence

And this is the difference.

Sterling’s solidity at the back, letting nothing down the opponent’s left get past him, while having the power to stop anything, much like his teammate Makhanya, is a huge fillip for Rangers.

When it comes to your defence, you need strong guys.

Pace is ideal as well, but you physically need the attributes of players who you’d call a unit.

And Rangers have at least three of them.

All of Dujon Sterling, Olwethu Makhanya and indeed Fernandez would be described as units.

They are all big, strong guys who mostly know how to defend well. Manny’s weaknesses notwithstanding.

Penrice is maybe the outlier, not as obviously big and strong, but he’s quick and he reads the position well.

He is a top left back, to say the least.

His addition as well has been a huge part of why Rangers are so solid right now, and we will have a piece separately on Tuur Rommens coming soon.

Sterling has found his place at Rangers

Sterling has definitely earned Rangers praise.

Yes, the two centre backs are starting to really sing in the middle, but it’s Sterling’s piece that has added that final gold crown to what is now becoming a very robust defence.

He’s found his position and he’s found his place in this Rangers team after a long, long time.

And once again, just like Ryan Naderi, Dujon Sterling must thank Derek McInnes for putting his faith in him and getting the best out of him and Rangers’ defence.

Long may it continue.