Cyriel Dessers: Rangers’ Nigerian Enigma in Attack
Cyriel Dessers has been in fine form as of late, scoring six goals in the last six games for Rangers. The striker is someone who divides opinion amongst the Ibrox faithful and has done since joining the club in the summer of 2023 for £4.5 million from US Cremonese. The 30-year-old has scored 18 goals so far this season and is close to equalling his tally of 22 goals from last season, which is an impressive feat.
The Nigerian international’s time in Glasgow has had its ups and downs, as he was booed at Ibrox after coming on as a substitute against Dundee in December. There was speculation in the January transfer window that Dessers would depart the club, but he said that there is still ‘unfinished business’ for him at the Light Blues.
Dessers’ performances for the most part have been inconsistent. You just never know what version you’ll be getting on the day, which is why many say that he is so frustrating to watch at times because the ability is there, but it’s not shown on a consistent basis – he really is an enigma of a footballer.
Despite Dessers being the Gers’ top goal scorer this campaign, the man who has been making the headlines and getting all the praise is Hamza Igamme. The 22-year-old has caught the eye from English Premier League clubs, as he’s had a dream start to his Ibrox career scoring 13 goals with four of them being in the Europa League. The form of Igamme has brought the best out of Dessers as knows if he’s not up to standard he won’t be in the team, especially since Danilo is back in the fold.
Host of the Gersnet Podcast Craig Rae spoke to Breaking The Lines and has praised Dessers’ recent form but is concerned he may revert back to his old ways: “He’s been in good form but we’ve seen this before. He’ll be good for a few weeks then blow cold for the next few and so on and so forth.
“I never questioned his mentality until he never stepped up to take a penalty in the Cup Final and I was absolutely fuming with him. But to be fair he has bounced back in recent weeks. Hopefully he continues his rich vein of form, but I’m worried he’ll go back to his old ways soon.
“I do agree with not selling him in January, though, regardless of how bad people think he is, he scores goals and it’s the hardest thing to do in football. It’s difficult to replace his numbers especially in January.”
Will Dessers prove the naysayers wrong? Only time will tell. But make no mistake about it, this second half of the season is going to be massive in terms of his career at Ibrox going forward.
By: Scott Bradley / @ScottBradleyX
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Getty Images