- Mo Diomande is confident Rangers will defeat Hearts on Monday
- The midfielder made an incredible statement in the second half against Motherwell
- His attributes are well suited for the game at Tynecastle
Rangers midfielder Mo Diomande is confident Rangers can defeat Hearts on Monday evening.
The midfielder has been absent in recent weeks due to injury, but he delivered a stunning second-half performance against Motherwell.
Diomande knows the game tomorrow will be a difficult challenge, but he and the Gers are ready to fight.
Pressure has mounted on Rangers, with Celtic earning a 2-1 away victory at 10-man Hibernian this afternoon.
Here’s what Diomande had to say.
Mo Diomande’s fighting talk
“It might not come easy for us, but we’ll do everything to win the game.
“I believe we will win the game.
“We might not just win games by doing what the coach taught us or the tactical things we worked on before.
“It will depend on ourselves. If Hearts or the other teams are going to play dirty, we need to stand up.
“Maybe we don’t have to think about the tactical play and just fight.
“If that’s what we need to win the game, we have to do it.
“It’s about character and standing up for ourselves. It won’t come easy. Fighting for it will be the most important thing.
“We have four more games to play that we’re looking to win. We’re really motivated to do so.
“We’re still in it, so we’ll do everything to beat our direct opponents, who are also trying to win the league, to be champions.”
Diomande must start at Tynecastle.
The Gers were terrible in the first half against Motherwell, looking sluggish in midfield, and the Steelmen dominated possession.
Diomande was introduced at halftime for Tochi Chukwuani, and the Gers suddenly found that bite and energy in midfield.
He played only 45 minutes but registered an assist and earned a 7.5 FotMob rating, the highest in the Rangers midfield that day.
He demanded the ball, drove into the final third, and forced Motherwell onto the back foot.
Rohl must switch from his 4-2-2-2 formation to a 4-2-3-1 against Hearts.
Diomande is the ideal candidate to play in the 10 role behind Youssef Chermiti to provide that fight and energy.
His ability to receive the ball under pressure and turn into space will be vital in transitioning Rangers from defence to attack.
His 91 recoveries this season highlight an elite work rate that ensures he is as much a shield as he is a weapon.
Read Rangers analysis
From a tactical standpoint, Diomande is what Rangers have been missing in the last few weeks regarding energy.
The midfielder understands exactly what this game means to the fans, and that tactics could go out the window tomorrow.
Diomande seems ready for the fight and will leave it all on the line at Tynecastle tomorrow.
The Gers have four games left to give captain James Tavernier the best possible send-off.
Diomande and Rangers will need to play their best if they are to get a result against Hearts on Monday evening.
