Rangers: Andy Halliday delivers ‘frustrating’ Cyriel Dessers verdict ahead of Celtic showdown at Ibrox
Andy Halliday has highlighted one aspect of Cyriel Dessers’ performances that have become “frustrating” ahead of the Old Firm clash between Rangers and Celtic on Sunday (7 April).
The Nigerian international has netted 13 goals in the Scottish Premiership this season, becoming a much more key player under Philippe Clement since his arrival in October.
With an extremely important Old Firm fixture on the horizon, the Gers will need Dessers to be at his absolute best if they are to claim all three points and head back to the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking via the Open Goal podcast on Tuesday (2 April), Halliday said: “He’s done very well, but you [Si Ferry] made out he was going to be this brilliant signing.
“Although, for me, he is Rangers’ best striker. Dessers’ all-round game is actually good – his energy, his work-rate, his link-up play. Just, at times, he looks a bit awkward in front of goal.
“One thing I will say, that I think is frustrating for a player and for watching, is he gets caught offside all the time. But he has had a big impact on a lot of games.”
Will Cyriel Dessers prove vital for Rangers against Celtic?
There is no doubt that Dessers has gone from strength to strength since the arrival of Clement, with only James Tavernier boasting more goals in a Rangers shirt this season.
Though Fabio Silva has the ability to play through the middle, and Kemar Roofe and Abdallah Sima have returned from injury, it would be very unusual to see the 29-year-old benched against Celtic.
Dessers will be keen to score against the Gers’ main rivals, with Tavernier the only player to do so this season, as well as topple Celtic from their perch at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
A victory would take Rangers to the top of the table, with just a single point currently separating the two sides. The fixture could be the defining factor this season as Clement looks to lead the club to its second league title in the last decade.
If Dessers brings his shooting boots to Ibrox on Sunday, Rangers have every chance of beating Celtic in the Old Firm derby.
In other Rangers news, an expected Ibrox exit has now been interrupted by changing rules.
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