Rangers Football Club, after a tumultuous period following the departure of Alfredo Morelos, has finally found its 20+ goal striker in Cyriel Dessers. The journey to this discovery has been riddled with speculation, transfer window dramas, and a rollercoaster of fan emotions. However, amidst it all, the emergence of Dessers as a potent goal-scoring threat has offered a beacon of hope for Rangers faithful.
The departure of Morelos left a significant void in Rangers’ attacking lineup, prompting fervent calls from fans for a prolific striker capable of netting 20 or more goals per season. Under former manager Michael Beale, the club brought in several attacking options, but none seemed to fit the bill perfectly. However, with the arrival of Philippe Clement as the new manager, a new chapter began to unfold.
The January transfer window presented an opportunity for Rangers to bolster their attacking arsenal, and they wasted no time in securing the services of Fabio Silva from Wolves. Silva’s arrival was met with anticipation, but his playing style, which leaned towards operating in deeper positions, left fans still clamoring for a traditional number 9.
Among the names swirling in the rumor mill were Lawrence Shankland from Hearts and Bojan Miovski from Aberdeen. Shankland, in particular, seemed to fit the profile perfectly, boasting an impressive goal-scoring record and reportedly being a lifelong Rangers supporter. However, financial constraints and strategic considerations hindered any concrete moves for either striker.
Rangers’ financial limitations and the club’s focus on improving their player trading model meant that splurging on a marquee signing like Shankland, who was nearing his late twenties, was unlikely. Similarly, while Miovski presented a younger option, the transfer fee coupled with existing squad dynamics made the acquisition challenging.
In the midst of this speculation, Cyriel Dessers quietly emerged as Rangers’ unlikely hero. Despite a rocky start to his Rangers career, Dessers began to find his rhythm under Clement’s management. With 14 goals and 5 assists across all competitions, Dessers has been instrumental in Rangers’ resurgence, particularly since Clement’s arrival.
While Dessers’ game is not without its flaws, his ability to find the back of the net when it matters most has endeared him to fans. His recent performance against Ross County showcased both his prowess and areas for improvement, yet his contribution cannot be understated.
Interestingly, rather than pursuing another striker, Clement opted to bolster Rangers’ creative options, signifying a shift in tactical focus. The signings of Oscar Cortes and Mohammed Diomande were aimed at enhancing service to the strikers, thus maximizing Dessers’ goal-scoring potential.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Cyriel Dessers as he leads the line for Rangers. While the quest for a 20+ goal striker may have taken unexpected turns, Dessers’ emergence offers a glimmer of hope and a reminder that sometimes, the solution lies within.