Emmanuel Fernandez has been named in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season, a recognition the Rangers defender described as unexpected. The 24-year-old, who joined the club from Peterborough United in the summer, is the only Rangers player to make the 11-man selection. Fernandez admitted he was surprised by the honour, having started his league campaign later than most after integrating into the squad mid-season. "It was a bit of a shock to be in the Team of the Year as I started playing a bit later in the season," Fernandez said in an interview with Rangers TV. He credited his teammates, coaching staff, and fellow players in the league who voted for him, calling the moment one he would never forget. Across 22 league appearances this season, Fernandez scored five goals, a notable return for a centre-back. His consistent performances at the back helped Rangers maintain a competitive edge in the title race. The inclusion marks a swift rise for the Super Eagles defender since his move from English League One. His impact has been immediate and statistically visible in both defensive solidity and offensive contributions. The Team of the Season is determined by votes from players across the league.
A player who joined mid-season and missed early fixtures being named in the Team of the Season suggests a lack of sustained excellence from rivals, not just individual brilliance. For Rangers, having only one player in the XI reflects how narrowly Fernandez's impact stood out amid a broader team underperformance. As a Super Eagles defender, Fernandez's rapid adaptation to top-flight Scottish football adds depth to Nigeria's current defensive options abroad. His five goals from 22 appearances also show a rare offensive threat from a central defender in a league with limited scoring from the back.
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