Leon Balogun defends Cyriel Dessers after ‘world-class’ contribution v PSV
Leon Balogun insists “it is not easy” playing for Rangers as he defended Cyriel Dessers’ slow start to life at Ibrox.
Dessers has scored one goal from open play – and another from the penalty spot – in his first six appearances for the club since joining from Cremonese.
The 28-year-old has come in for criticism from some, but he played a part in both goals in the 2-2 draw with PSV on Tuesday [22 August].
Asked about Dessers’ early-season form at a pre-Ross County news conference on Friday [25 August], Balogun said: It’s not easy to come here.
“All the new lads realise that. You don’t get time to adapt here. The players and staff are doing a great job.
“We can now see more and more of Dessers’ game. His pass for the goal [against PSV] was world-class and we look forward to see more of that.”
Consistent run
Dessers was not on the scoresheet in the play-off first-leg draw with PSV, but he certainly made his impact felt after a quiet opening 40 minutes.
The 28-year-old played the ball to Abdallah Sima for the Gers’ superb opener, before taking out the opposition defence for Rabbi Matondo’s strike.
That pass – “world-class” in the view of team-mate Balogun – showed what former Feyenoord ace Dessers is capable of when on top of his game.
However, the Nigeria international does need to start scoring some goals from open play himself, starting against Ross County if given the nod.
Dessers scored six times in 26 Serie A appearances last season, so he is capable of bagging in one of Europe’s elite leagues.
If he is given a consistent run up top by manager Michael Beale in the coming weeks, he might just be able to properly prove himself to the Ibrox faithful.
In other Rangers news, a journalist has described a possible Ibrox transfer exit as being “weird”.