Danny Rohl made a brave call by starting Mo Diomande at the heart of midfield against Celtic at the weekend.
Diomande was thrust into the team to bring energy to break the Celtic press and switch from defence to attack.
The call from Rohl didn’t pay off the way he liked, with Diomande playing on eggshells for the time he was on the pitch.
Rangers face St Mirren away in the Premiership on Sunday, with each league game as important as a cup final.
Rohl has a few options to pick from in midfield, with Tochi Chukwuani making a huge impact in the Scottish Cup.
It’s the Diomande dilemma for Rohl as it’s time to make huge decisions that could really impact the rest of the season.
A performance not to be proud of
However, as professionals, especially central midfielders, it’s imperative to stay resolute and disciplined.
Just two minutes into the game, Diomande put in a terrible tackle on Celtic fullback Julian Araujo, earning a yellow card.
In an Old Firm match where tough tackling and remaining strong are crucial, Diomande was miles off the pace.
He knew he couldn’t cost the team by getting sent off, as it would majorly impact his ability to win his midfield battle and help the team.
The midfielder came off at half-time, and it isn’t the first time this season.
Rohl took Diomande off against Hearts in December in a 2-1 defeat to the table-toppers.
Diomande has been in and out of the line-up all season, but his performance on Sunday surely opens the door for one player.
Tochi Chukwuani must start
Rohl brought on Tochi Chukwuani in the second half to replace Diomande.
A change that was much more positive for the Gers.
Chukwuani’s change took the handbrake off for Rangers as he instilled that bite back into the midfield, which was missing.
The midfielder won three duels immediately after coming on, re-establishing Rangers’ midfield dominance.
The team had 24 shots in the contest, mostly coming down to Chukwuani’s energy and ability to beat the press.
Every time Celtic tried to build momentum, Chukwuani used his frame to shield the ball and draw a whistle.
He drew five fouls in the contest and brought back the structure and discipline needed in Rohl’s midfield.
His performance in the second half and extra time proved he is more than just a backup.
If Rangers are to find success this season, his ability to dominate the “dirty work” might make him undroppable.
