Dujon Sterling: 29% and 0.02 stats show why Danny Rohl cannot risk Rangers star again vs Hearts

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Credit: Imago Fri 1 May 2026 7:15, UK Dujon Sterling returned to the Rangers starting XI last week, but there is little to suggest that he should remain there.In the 3-2 defeat to Motherwell, few of the Gers’ players met expectations, with many in the backline in particular far below standard.Now, with the Hearts match on the horizon, it is a game where Rangers and Danny Rohl simply cannot afford to slip up.Luckily, the Old Firm side already have a blueprint on how to beat the Jambo’s, having won 4-2 in February.Looking back on this crucial Rangers victory, Sterling once again disappointed, and Rohl simply cannot take that risk again. ⚽ Rangers Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Gers fixture. VISIT THE RANGERS MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Dujon Sterling must be dropped for Hearts vs RangersSterling has been inconsistent for Rangers multiple times this season, but arguably had one of his worst games against Hearts.According to Fotmob on 30 April, in the 4-2 victory, he only had a 25 per cent accurate crossing rate, created just a 0.02 xA, made zero tackles or blocks, was dribbled past once and only won 29 per cent of his ground duels.Dujon Sterling’s stats vs HeartsMinutes58Crossing accuracy 25%xA0.02Tackles0Blocks0Dribbles past1Ground duels won29%Sterling had a tough game against HeartsTherefore, given this fact and that he was poor against Motherwell, Rohl needs to drop him against Hearts.If not, Derek McInnes could look to target him, which could result in the club’s downfall at Tynecastle.This is a game Rangers simply cannot afford to lose, and if Sterling plays, it will be a massive and needless risk by the manager.Rangers’ defence at risk of massive downgrade this summerFormer Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that Rangers may be tempted to sell Emmanuel Fernandez if a £25million bid comes in for the defender.If he departs, he would join James Tavernier, Max Aaron and Nasser Djiga, who are also on their way out of Ibrox as it stands.As a result, Rangers are at risk of losing quality all over their backline, with major investment needed to get it back up to standard.Given Sterling’s recent performances, he clearly cannot be trusted to lock down the defence consistently.Nevertheless, it remains to be seen what Rohl’s plans are in the upcoming transfer window, with Rangers still not certain what European competition they will be in next season.

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