- Fernandez scored for Nigeria on his international debut
- Former Arsenal player Iwobi praises Rangers defender
- The rising star has become a regular under Danny Rohl
Manny Fernandez has been praised for his performances on international duty by his fellow Nigerian teammate.
Fulham and Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi commented that the Rangers defender was “excellent” during his first two matches.
Fernandez was called up for the friendlies against Iran and Jordan with the 24-year-old scoring his first international goal against the latter.
Fernandez carrying Rangers’ performances into international displays
The former Arsenal player also referenced the young Nigerian’s performance levels.
“He showed composure and made a really good impact against a physically demanding opponent,” said Iwobi.
Manny Fernandez signed a four-year deal from Peterborough last summer and like other Rangers’ colleagues found life at Ibrox tough in the early months under Russell Martin.
The Nigerian had only pulled on the Rangers jersey in two matches when Martin was jettisoned after four months.
However, since the arrival of Danny Rohl, the Nigerian has become a regular starter and cemented himself as an important part of the squad.
Since the Livingston match at the end of November, he has played the entire 90 minutes in a Rangers’ shirt, bar three matches, with the latest being against Dundee United last weekend.
Fernandez has grown into a prolific centre back under the German with impressive defensive displays as well as finding the ability to strike the net.
Confidence and composure
The defender played the full 120 minutes against Celtic in the Scottish Cup quarter-final as well as the Old Firm derby victory in January.
He also played a part in the away victory against St Mirren, a team that have inflicted disappointing results on Rangers in the recent past.
Fernandez also had the confidence to be composed when taking goalscoring opportunities with his strike providing the catalyst for Rangers’ late comeback in the recent draw against Livingston.
This demonstrates that the Nigerian has been able to translate that composure and experience facing physical sides into his international performances, which also provides more evidence that he is not the only player who has thrived under Rohl’s tutelage.
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What Alex Iwobi’s comments show is that having now also received plaudits on the international stage, Fernandez has slowly but surely become one of Rangers’ most influential signings of the season.
Rohl also commended the defender for his international exploits which highlights the strong relationship that has developed between player and manager.
The momentum is with the Nigerian heading into the final six games and he will clearly be a vital part of the Rangers dressing room ahead of the title run-in.
Manny Fernandez is growing as a player, as is his reputation and standing. Alex Iwobi’s remarks are the latest evidence of this.
That can only be a good thing for player and club.
