One of Rangers biggest problems this season has been a repeat of last year, a severe absence of a clinical edge that signing Cyriel Dessers just hasn’t solved.
The 28-year old arrived off the back of a difficult season in Serie A where Cremonese were relegated and he managed just six goals but the expectancy was that, in an easier league and in a dominant team, the Nigeria international could be exactly what we need.
With Michael Beale sacked as Rangers manager, backing Cyriel Dessers has proven to be a costly mistake, but did the depart boss play a role in the number nine’s form falling off a cliff?
Why Beale was wrong to give Rangers backing to Cyriel Dessers
When Dessers was signed for a reported £4.5m plus add-ons, it became clear that he was going to start more often than not.
When Danilo signed in a £6m deal, according to Sky Sports, it looked as though Beale was planning on pairing them together.
However, Rangers have started with Cyriel Dessers up front in all but three games so far this season whilst, before his injury Danilo started only three games, twice alongside the other summer signing.
Dessers arrived short of fitness due to an injury sustained at the end of last season and, rather than playing the fit and on form Danilo, Michael Beale insisted on trying to play the man he thought would replace Alfredo Morelos instead.
Initially, Rangers weren’t creating many chances for Cyriel Dessers, but as his display against Aris Limassol and his substitute appearance against St Mirren proved – his confidence is shot.
There is no composure and he is snatching at efforts.
Why Beale persevered with an unfit and short of confidence striker when he had Danilo available is mystifying, but it’s a decision that has cost him his job and Dessers his confidence.
Whether a new manager can restore it, we’ll have to wait and see.
The alternative is a £4.5m striker sitting on the bench every week.
