Cyriel Dessers thriving under new Rangers manager

Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers has seen his form turn around after a tough start to the season with Rangers, earning praise for his newfound goalscoring touch under the guidance of Philippe Clement.

The Nigerian forward had a tough start to his Ibrox career under Michael Beale, where he scored just once in his opening seven league games, but with three in his last four, he seems to have found some form.

Along with Dessers’ form, Rangers seem to have found a method to make them tick. Where they struggled under Beale, they are excelling so far under Clement.

Dessers’ goalscoring touch was noted by former Celtic defender Mark Wilson, who told Sky Sports that Clement is to thank: “With Cyriel Dessers, who was far out of the picture and really struggling, Clement’s got a goalscorer.

“So a job well done and I think the Rangers fans will be happy with how they’re progressing.”

With the new manager’s arrival at the club came a change in mentality. A more pressing and quick counter-attacking method immediately seemed to suit the squad more than their previous setup.

Having the striker at the focal point of the attack to get on the end of chances created by flying wingers and advanced midfield players has suited the Nigerian more than being used primarily in the buildup phases of the game.

This has been evidenced by his goalscoring display against Livingston in which he had three shots on target and one blocked, with five aerial duels contested and just 17 passes, showing his focus was more in the opposition box than outside of it.

To compare with his style under Beale, Dessers competed in zero ground duels in that win over Livingston. Meanwhile against Aberdeen, in Beale’s final game as boss, the striker was asked to compete in seven ground duels, of which he lost six.

He also attempted two dribbles in the game against Aberdeen, compared to none against Livingston, proving the difference in what was required of him and the difference between the attacking setups.

Under Clement, Rangers have a striker who can do what he does best without the burden of having to help his teammates and create play from the middle. They’ve found a goalscorer, and the boss is getting the best out of him.