Emmanuel Fernandez has been handed a blunt assessment by Jablonec striker Lamin Jawo following their physical battle in Rangers' 1-0 Conference League play-off first-leg victory.
The Rangers centre-back has come under scrutiny for his ‘lackadaisical’ form since the beginning of the season, while his future at Ibrox has also been the subject of speculation this week amid reports that Bayer Leverkusen are considering a €25 million move for the Nigerian international.
Fernandez started at the heart of the Rangers defence against the Czechs as Derek McInnes' side secured a narrow advantage ahead of next Thursday's second leg in Czechia thanks to a goal from Ryan Naderi.
However, towering Gambian striker Jawo was far from overawed by his encounter with the Rangers defender.
The Jablonec forward acknowledged Fernandez's quality but suggested the centre-back did not provide a particularly difficult test compared with defenders he has previously faced in the Czech Republic.
“I know Fernandez is a strong and good player who has quality,” Jawo said post-match.
“But I have played against the strongest defenders in the Czech Republic, so this was not that big of a difference for me.
“I think it was 50/50 with him. It was not that difficult and maybe I won more aerial duels than him.”
Fernandez under scrutiny at Rangers
The comments come during a period in which Fernandez's performances have attracted criticism from some Rangers supporters.
The defender has been a regular presence in McInnes' team, but Rangers' inconsistent start to the campaign has placed increased focus on individual performances.
Thursday's clean sheet was nevertheless a positive for the Ibrox side, with Fernandez and centre-back partner Olwethu Makhanya helping Rangers restrict Jablonec to a goal-less evening at the other end.
The result also represented Rangers' first clean sheet of the season and their second consecutive victory following Sunday's 5-1 Premier Sports Cup win over St Mirren.
€25m Leverkusen reports add another layer
Fernandez's position has also become an interesting one off the pitch.
Reports this week have linked the defender with a potential move to Bayer Leverkusen worth around €25 million.
The Jablonec comments therefore arrive at an intriguing point in Fernandez's Rangers career, with his performances under scrutiny while speculation continues over interest from Germany.
Jawo's verdict will provide plenty of discussion, particularly given his claim that the battle was “50/50” and that he may have won more aerial duels against the Rangers defender.
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