Say what you want about one of the more divisive players in Rangers’ recent history, his record makes for pretty impressive reading.
For all the esteem in which Alfredo Morelos was held in at Ibrox, the firebrand Colombian broke the 20-goal barrier in only two of his six seasons in Scottish football.
In his last four Premiership campaigns, meanwhile, Morelos notched only 12, 12, 11 and then 11 again.
So while Cyriel Dessers has more misses in his collection than M Night Shyamalan’s filmography, even the striker’s biggest critic would have to accept that a return of 22 goals across his debut season as a Rangers player is not to be sniffed at.
Dessers also netted 16 times in the league. Only set-piece specialist James Tavernier, Celtic star Matt O’Riley, and Hearts’ perennially Ibrox-linked talisman Lawrence Shankland managed more.
Yes, Dessers squandered a few presentable openings in last week’s stalemate at Tynecastle. But, as the old saying goes, if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.
Cyriel Dessers backed by Rangers icon
The £4.5 million signing from Cremonese was rewarded for his willingness to continue getting himself in the right positions with a heroic 94th minute equaliser in the 1-1 Champions League qualifying draw with Dynamo Kiev in midweek.
Barry Ferguson, the legendary Rangers captain, feels that Philippe Clement would still benefit from the addition of a new number nine.
But he cannot shake the warmth he feels towards a man who’s quality and consistency might be in question, but his work-rate and determination is certainly not.
“No one deserves a break more than Cyriel Dessers,” Ferguson tells the Daily Record.
“I was absolutely delighted for the big man when he popped up with that equaliser in injury time because, for the last year, he’s had folk queuing up to have a go over his finishing. I’ve felt for him because some of the stick has been savage and, to be brutally honest, way over the top as well.
“Is Dessers the finished article as a Rangers number nine? No. Can Philippe Clement hang his hat on him as the first-choice striker for the rest of the season? I wouldn’t be too sure about that either.
“But let’s look at the facts over his first 12 months because, as a Rangers striker, first and foremost you are judged on the amount of goals you score.
“And he ended his first season at the club with 22 of them. I don’t care what anyone says, that’s a decent return.”
Clement’s hero in the Champions League qualifiers
Ferguson does admit that Dessers, with a more ruthless streak, probably could have cruised past the 30-goal barrier.
Golden Boot winner Shankland is the name most frequently mentioned when discussing potential upgrades. But while his tally is enhanced by spot-kicks, only one of Dessers’ 23 Rangers strikes has come from the penalty spot.
That, Ferguson thinks, is ‘quite an achievement’. More chances should come his way, too, after the arrival of Vaclav Cerny.
Probably Rangers’ most gifted right winger for years, Cerny set up Dessers’ late strike in Poland.
“Dessers is having to carry that responsibility on his own shoulders, and it has to be said he has never once hidden away from it. That’s why I would never criticise the guy,” adds the five-time Premiership champion.
“He gets hammered week in, week out and must be aware of the noise as it never seems to go away. But, week in, week out, he fronts it up and empties his tank for the cause. Even if he misses a chance he’s there again five minutes later looking for the next one.
“To tell you the truth, I genuinely admire him for that.
“He also comes across as a bubbly, likeable individual. Every time I hear him speak the feeling I get is he is desperate to do well for the club. I’ve heard other players in the past who also said all the right things but you can see right through them when their heart is not really in it.
“That’s the last thing I would say about Dessers. His hunger and desire to be a successful Rangers player is so obvious it jumps right out of him. So I was delighted for him on Tuesday.”
Dessers will hope to open his league account for the new campaign when Rangers host Motherwell on Saturday at 3pm.
