Our colourful source of conversation today is the ever-borrowed Dujon Sterling, born on the 24th October 1999. The defender's favourite spot is right back for Rangers, sterling by name but not by nature given his somewhat generous measurements of 1.86m (6ft 1in) in height and tipping the scales at a sturdy 81kg (12st 10lb). The lad seems rather attached to jersey number 21. But points off for originality, eh?
Back in the dim and distant past of 2015, young Sterling began his studded journey at none other than the glittering lights of Chelsea's Premier League clubhouse. Starry-eyed and bushy-tailed, he was eager to sink his boots into the pitch, but alas, his time to shine was destined for later. According to Transfermarkt (source), Sterling was instead shipped off on loan to Coventry City in 2018, then Wigan Athletic in 2019 where he made an astounding 8 first-team appearances in league matches. No, you didn't misread that. Eight.
But wait, there's more. In 2021, Sterling moved on loan again to Blackpool, where he seemed to find his footing somewhat and managed to find himself in 24 first-team appearances in league matches. A significant improvement, I'd say, wouldn't you? Still, the clock was ticking and in 2022 the lad was passed on like a hot potato, this time to Stoke City. This seemingly made some difference as he sported the stripes for a total of 26 first-team appearances in league matches.
Fast forward a year and in 2023, Sterling, in a shocking turn of events, left Chelsea. The shining lights of top-tier English football dimmed as he transferred to the Premiership up north at Rangers. Despite presumably suffering mild hypothermia from the Scottish weather, the loaner turned owner made a total of 24 first-team appearances in his debut season, and 16 in the current 2024-2025 so far. And if I'm reading this correctly, he's played in the League Cup, the Europa League, Champions League Qualifiers and again in the Europa League. By heavens, the lad does get about a bit, doesn't he?
Safe to say, Sterling's career has been an interesting blend of turbulence and tenacity. His resilience, it seems, is unmatched. One can only hope that the real Sterling can start to match the sterling in his name. In any case, one thing’s for sure, Dujon Sterling’s footballing adventures will continue to provide plenty of fodder for our dry, prosaic scribbles here.
