Cyriel Dessers was up against it before he had even kicked a ball for Rangers when he signed from Cremonese in the summer.
A reported transfer fee of over £4.5m for a striker with 10 goals the previous season and no chance of a sell on profit due to Nigerian international being a year shy of his 30th birthday meant that Michael Beale had to get this one right.
Clearly unfit, the previous Rangers manager insisted on player Cyriel Dessers into form rather than Danilo who had been on fire for Feyenoord before his arrival but the Brazilian’s injury might not be as harshly felt as first feared.
Cyriel Dessers could still be Rangers hero after sticky start
Now, with four goals in his last six league games, the former Europa Conference League top goalscorer is starting to find his feet.
With 11 v 11, the 29-year old put in the sort of performance at Ibrox against Dundee that we’re expecting from day one and even with a man down he should have added to his first-half strike to level the scores.
It might not show on any statistics but, the corner from which Abdallah Sima scored Rangers third goal came from Cyriel Dessers dropping to link play with an exquisite pass around the corner to Rabbi Matondo who won the set-piece.
Previously, he would have held onto the ball for too long or played a safe pass back into midfield.
His pressing was also more effective and, with pace either side of him, was able to concentrate on playing more central which benefits his game.
It’s unlikely that he will every truly justify his transfer fee, however, there are signs of a redemption arc and that he could yet play his part in Philippe Clement’s squad.
Cyriel Dessers might not be the hero that Rangers fans want but, this week, he has the chance to prove that he is the hero we need.
