Under-fire Cyriel Dessers stuns BBC Sportsound pundit with ‘brilliant’ impact for Rangers in 3-1 win over Kilmarnock
Cyriel Dessers was “brilliant” as the Rangers striker’s pass unlocked Kilmarnock for Ross McCausland to put the home side into the lead at Ibrox, according to Billy Dodds.
The former Gers striker reacted live on BBC Sportsound, via the BBC Sport live-blog, on 2 January to praise the current Ibrox forward after he swept a perfect through-ball through the visiting backline in the 41st minute for his young teammate to run onto and convert.
Just as the Light Blues’ early dominance was waining and Jack Butland’s save had been required to prevent Kyle Vassell making the most of Killie’s improved play Dessers picked up the ball near the halfway line and played an inch-perfect ball in behind the defender for McCausland to take into the box and fire into the bottom corner.
Dodds said: “The inexperience of David Watson got caught out there. It’s a brilliant pass from Cyriel Dessers.
“Ross McCausland showed maturity beyond his years to wait for the goalkeeper and buried it in the corner.”
Vital
Dessers’ lack of end product is often what frustrates the most about him since his summer arrival but there can be no complaints about the assist for the opener at Ibrox.
The Nigerian international’s timing was perfect as it allowed Rangers to quash the growing resistance from Killie, with Abdallah Sima smashing home a stunning second soon after to put the home side well in control just when the game looked to be getting away from them.
A lack of cutting edge was a major part of yet another frustrating and controversial Old Firm defeat to Celtic on 30 December, and Dessers has been at fault as much as anyone for that this season.
The arrival of Fabio Silva should help lighten the load in attack after injury to Danilo and a major struggle for form from Sam Lammers, with Kemar Roofe’s fitness also an ongoing problem.
But Clement may still be looking to add to his strike force further during the winter window as Dessers’ form, although improved in recent weeks, is often frustrating.
Either way, he deserves credit for creating the key chance at Ibrox at an important time to help Rangers get back to winning ways, even if he should have perhaps scored a couple himself from the chances that fell to him.
In other Rangers news, a first-team Light Blues man wants to leave the club during the winter window.