If Rangers are to turn their fortunes around next season, they will need more consistent performances from players like Mohamed Diomande. Signed for £4.3m, the Ivorian international has certainly grown as a player, but there remains a significant gap between his best and his off days. Statistically, 14 goals and assists from open play—six goals and eight assists—represents a solid return from midfield. However, to make a true impact, Diomande needs to start dictating games the way the current Rangers manager once did.
In the lead-up to the final Old Firm match of the season, Diomande acknowledged that individual progress is meaningless if Rangers fail to win. Unlike under previous managers Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Michael Beale, the biggest issue this season hasn’t been the Old Firm games. Instead, it’s been the inability to dominate the rest of the Scottish Premiership. Diomande is acutely aware of this struggle: “When we play against other teams, they are more defensive-minded,” he said. “We’ve had trouble creating chances, and that’s been our biggest problem and challenge.”
Despite this, Diomande is hopeful for a change. With only four games left this season, he’s already focusing on the future. “I’m looking forward to next season, to be ready for every team we’re going to face,” he added. “Personally, this is my first time playing over 50 games in a season, which I consider an achievement. But I know at this club, the priority is always to win. I’m happy with my personal growth, but I want to keep pushing myself. These last four games are important, but I’m also thinking ahead to next season and aiming to come back even stronger.”
Looking ahead, the question arises: Can Rangers build their team around Diomande? Earlier this season, he was substituted at halftime after a poor first-half performance. However, that moment seems to have sparked a turning point for him. Since then, both in domestic and European competitions, Diomande has been one of Rangers’ standout performers. His work rate is undeniable, and he brings a pace and intensity to the game that some of his teammates could learn from. His partnership with Nicolas Raskin has shown promise, and with some additional help in the summer, it could become even more effective.
The target for Diomande next season should be to replicate the kind of numbers former Rangers player Joe Aribo achieved, with double digits for both goals and assists. If he can reach that level, Rangers could find themselves in a much better position come next May.
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