Barry Ferguson blown away by Cyriel Dessers and Abdallah Sima after what he’s seen on YouTube
Former Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson is impressed by the club’s new attacking additions but will reserve judgement until he’s seen them play.
Writing in the Daily Record (7 July, pages 54-55), Ferguson claimed that both Cyriel Dessers and Abdallah Sima looked exciting in YouTube highlights, as Rangers continue a recruitment-heavy window.
Along with Dessers and Sima, Michael Beale’s side has also confirmed the signing of forward Sam Lammers while deals for Los Angeles FC’s Jose Cifuetes and Feyenoord’s Danilo [Daily Record] could be coming in the near future.
Ferguson said: “If I was part of that squad I’d be looking at all the work that’s being done and I’d feel as if the club is really ready to make a massive push.
“I will reserve judgement on the new signings until I’ve had a good look at them in the flesh. I’ve watched a lot of videos of the likes of Dessers and Sima and as much as they look very exciting additions, it’s what they do when they pull that jersey on that counts.
“It’s not about looking the part on a YouTube showreel.”
Measured excitement
Ferguson is smart not to get too carried away with Rangers’ business so far.
Yes, plenty of new additions have walked through the door and many more are expected to follow. Beale is showing no signs of slowing down and the club is clearly gearing up for what could be a brilliant season.
However, many of these new signings are relatively unproven and not particularly prolific. Sam Lammers, for instance, scored just two league goals in two teams in Serie A last season having played made 33 appearances [FBRef].
Judgement is best reserved at this moment. It would be understandable for Rangers fans to be excited at this moment, but once pre-season is fully underway and the new signings have the chance to stretch their legs with their new teammates then fans will get a better understanding of just how impactful these new players can be.
Dessers and Sima look to be impactful. The 28-year-old Dessers looked back on form for Cremonse last season and could easily become an important goalscorer for Beale. Sima, at just 22, is an exciting prospect with good experience for his age helping him score five goals for Angers last season in Ligue 1.
These players will have to work hard to make an impact, and with the addition of plenty of attacking players to the ones already at the club, competition for starting spots will be stiff.