Super Eagles: 2 weaknesses that could cost Fernandez starting spot at Rangers

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez faces a battle to retain his starting spot at Scottish giants Rangers following a series of underwhelming performances this season.

Fernandez joined the Light Blues from Peterborough United in 2025 and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the league.

The 24-year-old was named Rangers Men’s Player of the Season and was also the club’s only representative in the PFA Scotland Team of the Season and his performances attracted interest from several top clubs during the summer transfer window, including Chelsea, Arsenal, Rennes and Borussia Dortmund.

However, the Super Eagles defender has struggled to reproduce the same level of performance this campaign, with several below-par displays raising questions about his form.

Although he has recently shown signs of improvement, putting in a couple of encouraging performances, there have been calls for him to be dropped from the starting lineup ahead of Rangers’ clash with St Johnstone on Saturday.

Fernandez: Two weaknesses that could cost Super Eagles defender a starting spot at Rangers

1. Inconsistent displays for Rangers

Fernandez was one of the first names on the Rangers team sheet last season, but things have been different this campaign, as he has struggled to maintain the high standards he set during his debut season.

While the Super Eagles centre-back has shown glimpses of his quality, he has yet to deliver consistently strong performances, leaving room for questions about his place in the starting lineup.

His developing partnership with South African defender Olwethu Makhanya has also helped him improve. However, Fernandez needs to become more consistent if he wants to remain a regular starter for Rangers.

With competition for places in the defence, his inability to maintain a high level of performance could eventually cost him his spot, especially if other defenders take advantage of the opportunity to impress.

There have already been calls for Fernandez to be dropped to the bench for the St Johnstone game, with Ben Godfrey, who joined the club in the summer, among the options who could come into the starting lineup.

2. Mistakes in possession and poor decision-making

Another weakness the Super Eagles defender has shown this season is his indecision on the ball. Fernandez’s ability to play with the ball at his feet makes him very important to Rangers, but he has struggled to show that strength consistently this campaign, with questionable decisions in possession sometimes putting his team under unnecessary pressure.

His hesitation on the ball and rushed decisions have raised concerns about his composure when building play from the back and these mistakes can leave Rangers vulnerable.

If he continues to struggle in this area, head coach Derek McInnes could consider other options who are more reliable in possession, especially in games where defensive mistakes could prove costly.

Rangers face St Johnstone on Saturday, and McInnes must decide whether to continue trusting Fernandez or leave one of his key defenders out of the starting lineup.

Although the Super Eagles defender has shown signs of getting back to his best, he must start to show signs of improvement if he is to retain his place in the team.