Cyriel Dessers unbothered by criticism of his performances in Rangers

Super Eagles fringe star Cyriel Dessers has admitted that some of the criticism he has received since joining Rangers has made him laugh, while also revealing his personal targets at Ibrox.

After a difficult start to the season since joining the ranks in Glasgow from Cremonase, which has seen him heavily criticised by supporters and pundits.

However, the Nigerian international has admitted that he has taken very little notice of his critics and is beginning to adapt to life in Scotland where he believes the football is different from anywhere else that he has played in his career.

 “Some reactions even make me laugh. First of all, I think many people underestimate what it is like to move to another country. My stats this season are not bad, but I don’t think it is great either. Before the season I set a goal of 25 goal contributions, so I’m on target in that regard.

“But I have not yet reached my absolute top form. And that is something I work hard for every day. In terms of general level, the Belgian and Dutch competitions are also better than the Scottish and of course Serie A is a different level. But there are hardly any easy matches here.

“Many clubs play their match of the season against us. Opponents give their lives on the pitch, so to speak, not to let us score, so we always have to go very deep. I usually go home after a match with scratches and blood on my body.”

Dessers’ early struggles at Ibrox have rightly earned him plenty of criticism and given the money spent to bring the 29-year-old to Ibrox this summer, many would have expected him to hit the ground running and replace Alfredo Morelos in the frontline.

It is clear from Dessers’ quotes that he is focused on being a success in Glasgow and isn’t taking any notice of what supporters and pundits are saying about his early displays and that driven attitude may well be key to the striker being a success.

Now that Danilo is fit and Sam Lammers is also beginning to find his feet in Philippe Clement’s side, they should be able to help Dessers shoulder the burden of leading the Rangers’ frontline and take the pressure off of the Nigerian in the coming weeks.

Scottish football is a different beast to any other division in Europe, especially when you are playing for one of the Old Firm sides and it is only natural that Dessers and some of the other summer arrivals will need time to adapt to the Scottish Premiership.