The Rangers fans have had to be patient as they waited to see arguably the most exciting of their 11 summer signings start a game in that famous blue shirt.
But as Philippe Clement’s side cruised past Dundee at Ibrox to seal a spot in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup, Nedim Bajrami ensured that the wait was worth it.
Brought in on a £3.5 million deadline day deal from Sassuolo, Bajrami started for the first time as Rangers marked their homecoming in style against Tony Docherty’s men.
Bajrami prefers the number ten role. But, deployed wide on the left instead this weekend, he led the Dundee backline a merry dance while showcasing the creativity and the vision that had former Rangers defender Sergio Porrini labelling Bajrami a ‘really exciting’ addition.
Cyriel Dessers lauds Nedim Bajrami as Rangers beat Dundee
The Albania international set up the second of Cyriel Dessers’ two goals just past the hour mark.
After racing in behind the Dundee backline, a man who shot to fame when scoring the fastest goal in European Championship history against Italy this summer fizzed a delightful cross into Dessers’ path.
A ball so perfect in its execution that the Nigerian hitman – Dessers taught the visitors a ‘harsh lesson’ on the night according to Dark Blues boss Tony Docherty – only needed one touch to convert the chance serviced up on a silver platter by his new team-mate.
Upon his arrival at Rangers three weeks ago, Bajrami highlighted Dessers as a player he knew from their respective spells in Serie A. The Glasgow giants bought the latter from Cremonese, while the former turned out for Empoli before joining Sassuolo.
And, after going up against Bajrami, Dessers is delighted that he now gets the chance to play alongside him for the first time.
“Yeah, I know Nedim. I played against him in Italy, so I know his qualities,” Dessers said post-match, having taken his tally to six goals from nine appearances this season. “I see his qualities on the highest level in Serie A.
“He’s a very, very good player, so I was happy when he signed.”
Rangers striker hails Tom Lawrence and Vaclav Cerny too
Clement highlighted Bajrami’s versatility and his ‘experience at the highest levels’ when explaining Rangers’ decision to bring in the 25-year-old.
Bajrami should provide competition in central areas – last week’s Dundee United matchwinner Tom Lawrence has the number ten role nailed down for now – while also helping to offset the departure of Abdallah Sima and the injury-enforced absence of Rabbi Matondo on the left.
“He showed things in training. He showed things today that make me happy as a striker,” adds Dessers, equally delighted with the budding relationship developing between him and fellow Eredivisie import Vaclav Cerny.
“He’s a player who is looking for a striker, trying to provide, trying to find a good connection.
“So we can help each other with runs or passes. And, yeah, I think this is the first time we played together. [The first time that we] start together in a game. And I think you can see the connection, but not only with him.”
“I think with Vaclav at the other side, with Tom Lawrence in midfield, I think I have a good connection with all of these guys. And that’s only the beginning of the season, but I think that’s surely a start to build on.”
