Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez leads Scottish Premiership for duels won

Emmanuel Fernandez has recorded more successful duels than any other player in the Scottish Premiership this season, underlining his importance to Rangers despite criticism of some of his defensive displays.

The former Peterborough United centre-back leads the league with 90 duels won. His total places him six ahead of Dundee United’s Michael Forbes, who is second on 84.

The figures were included in a leaderboard published by PFA Scotland.

St Mirren’s Ryan Carr is third with 83 successful duels, while Hearts defender Jordi Altena has won 82 to sit fourth. Dundee’s Ryan Astley completes the top five with 81.

Fernandez’s statistics provide a positive aspect to his performances since he established himself in the Rangers defence. The Nigeria international will hope to maintain that level as Rangers seek to continue their progress in the Scottish Premiership.

Motherwell winger Ibrahim Said is the other Nigerian player included among the league’s top 10 performers for duels won.

Said has recorded 71 successful duels in the latest available statistical update, placing him among the Scottish Premiership’s leading players in the category.

The 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil was a notable tournament for Said, who represented Nigeria as a former Golden Eaglets player.

He drew attention during the competition by scoring a memorable hat-trick in Nigeria’s 3-2 victory over Ecuador.