Steven Gerrard’s Rangers take on Spartak this week.
Glasgow Rangers take on a Spartak Moscow side in disarray this week after the Russian side fired their manager Massimo Carrera.
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers will not have it easy in the Europa League clash, and no player defines this like their midfield star Fernando.
Make no mistake this is a step up in class for Rangers despite Spartak’s turmoil.
Fernando has been at Spartak since 2016 when they spent £10 million to sign him from Sampdoria.
Spartak, Sampdoria and Shakhtar have combined to pay £27 million on Fernando since 2013. Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton have all been linked with him [via Metro]
He is a defensive midfielder who can contribute in attack too, being compared to Arturo Vidal. He has represented Brazil, winning eight caps and helping them win the Confederations Cup.
This season the 26-year-old has remained a key part of Spartak’s team, scoring once and providing three assists in 10 league games. He has also played all 180 minutes of their Europa League campaign.
Rangers are blessed with options in midfield, but none of the calibre of Fernando.
That isn’t to say whoever is selected, whether it be Ryan Jack, Lassana Coulibaly, Ovie Ejaria or even Andy Halliday can’t step up and outperform him, it will just be a bigger test than they are used to.
Playing against tougher competition is what the Europa League is all about for Rangers, and they have risen to every challenge so far to top their group.
They will have to be at their best to win again at Ibrox on Thursday night.
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