Andy Halliday stunned by what ‘Outstanding’ Cyriel Dessers did for Rangers v Fenerbahce
Rangers find themselves 1-0 down against Fenerbahce at half-time in their Europa League round of 16 second-leg tie, but despite that, Cyriel Dessers has caught the eye of Andy Halliday.
Rangers still lead the game 3-2 on aggregate and the Light Blues still hold progression in the Europa League in their own hands.
Dessers was the man to open the scoring at the away leg in Turkiye last week and he wasn’t scared to throw himself around in the opening 45 minutes.
Dessers catches Halliday’s eye for Rangers
Rangers may have come into this game leading 3-1 but under no impression did they think the job was done and that threat has been shown.
Dessers is one man who has worked particularly hard to try and extend the aggregate lead to progress in the Europa League with nothing else to play for this term.
| Competition | Goals |
| Scottish Premiership | 11 |
| Europa League | 3 |
He may be waiting for another goal tonight but in the first half of the tie against Fenerbahce, Dessers did well to show his strength going forward.
On one occasion, his ability to hold up the ball against his defender led to his side getting a free-kick and while they didn’t score from it, creating these opportunities is vital.
Speaking live on commentary for BBC Sportsound (13 March, 8:14pm), Halliday was full of praise for Dessers, saying: “It’s outstanding hold-up play from Dessers.
“We waxed lyrical about his performance last week and it’s exactly a performance like that when Rangers need him.
“It was a straight ball, it was one-on-one with Skriniar and he does well to just hold him off. Skriniar gets mistaken and holds him to the ground, it’s a free kick in a promising position.”
Rangers need another goal
The Gers will certainly have been happy with the position they found themselves in coming into the game at Ibrox and having the home tie as the second leg will work in their favour.
Barry Ferguson’s men went into battle with the Turkish side, with a moment of quality at the very end of the half separating the teams.
With that in mind, even though they are now losing at half-time, it certainly seems as though there could be an opportunity for Rangers to progress in the Europa League.
The second half will be a real test of the character that Ferguson’s side has built under new management and it is up to them to put it all on the line for a comfortable victory.
There is still a way to go but if Ferguson can see his side through, it will certainly give those at Ibrox something rare to smile about this season.