Rangers: ‘Defining’ week on cards for Cyriel Dessers at Ibrox ahead of crucial Old Firm clash
Cyriel Dessers faces a defining week in his Rangers career ahead of the Old Firm clash with Celtic at Ibrox on 7 April, according to Joshua Barrie.
The Rangers Review journalist insisted Dessers will need to score a goal against Celtic to win over sections of the support at Ibrox, but he doesn’t expect him to find the net.
It was said that should he miss a key chance in the game as he did in the reverse fixture at Celtic Park, none of his other goals will matter as far as the fans are concerned.
Speaking to The Rangers Review [1 April], Barrie explained: “He’ll only win over some fans if he scores a big goal in a big game. Do I have complete confidence that he’s going to score in the Old Firm at the weekend? No.
“This next week for him and for other players is so defining. If he scores a goal in the Old Firm then, as we all know, it totally changes the opinion of him.
“If he was to miss another big chance, then those 12 or 13 goals that he’s scored under Clement won’t matter whatsoever, so it’s a big week ahead for him.”
Cyriel Dessers must replicate Hibernian show v Celtic
Dessers has struggled at times since arriving at Ibrox, but his goal against Hibs proved crucial to securing the win for Rangers. Going into half-time with a one-goal lead meant they could dominate the second half and ease towards victory.
However, his inconsistency in front of goal was highlighted again as he squandered several chances to make an impressive victory even more comfortable. Those inconsistencies are what have raised questions about his ability to start up top every week.
If he misses opportunities like he had against Hibs when Celtic visit Ibrox next weekend, the striker’s long-term future and support from the fans will start to come into question, and he must find consistency with his finishing soon.
The return of Abdallah Sima, meanwhile, may put increased pressure on Dessers given his form for Rangers before his injury, with his goalscoring instincts and pace making him a vastly different option to lead the line at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, Jeff Stelling shared a new James Tavernier exit verdict live on talkSPORT.
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