Reports surfaced last night that linked Michael Beale to a reunion with Chelsea full-back Dujon Sterling. He’s been on loan at Stoke City this season and his Chelsea deal expires at the end of the month. Potentially a very shrewd signing if it comes to fruition, but who is he?
Name – Dujon Sterling
Age – 23
Nationality – English
Position – Right Back/Left Back/Centre Back
Club – Chelsea (On loan at Stoke City)
He started his career as a centre back, then played a lot of minutes at full back and has even played right wing back at Stoke this season. His versatility makes him a very valuable player, Rangers lack players of any real versatility and this hurt the team when they had multiple injuries last season.
His adaptability also makes it unclear where Michael Beale would be planning to play him if he comes in. Sterling has previously said;
“It’s never a bad thing being able to play in a number of positions.
“The fact I can play in a number of positions is beneficial to me and the team.”
This is very true and as previously mentioned, something Rangers lack massively and it really cost them last season, specifically with the centre back position. Having players able to play in multiple roles can only be good for the team going forward.
Dujon Sterling is a tall and powerful defender who also happens to be very pacey, a really exciting mix of attributes. He’s also been praised for his one v one defensive ability and it’s part of the reason he’s spent so much time at full back.
He’s not the forward threat that James Tavernier is, but his pace and power allow him to get down the line and get crosses into the box. Stoke haven’t had a great season so his zero goal contributions isn’t really an accurate representation of what his attacking output could be. His defensive numbers are where he shines though;
- Interceptions Per Game – 1.3
- Clearances Per Game – 1.4
- Tackles Per Game – 1.7
- Ground Duels Won – 55%
- Aerial Duels Won – 51%
An excellent defender in duels and positionally sound, he could be a really strong addition to the defensive line no matter where he plays. Only 23 years old and available on a free, this is a deal which could represent superb value for money.
Is this a transfer you could get on board with? Adding versatility should never be underestimated, especially with a player of Dujon Sterling’s profile.