Dessers trait amazes BBC Sportscene pundit after what happened in Rangers win
Cyriel Dessers stole the show for Rangers on Saturday after scoring a 93rd-minute winner against Dundee.
It was an eventful evening as the Gers found themselves playing catch-up almost throughout, but Barry Ferguson’s side went on to snatch all three points through Dessers at the death.
The striker had chances throughout the afternoon, which he probably should have done better with, but the winning goal put those concerns to bed.
Dessers praised by pundits
Although Dessers has struggled to hold down a position in the starting line-up this season, having to battle it out with Hamza Igamane for much of the campaign, the striker still has a good return of goals.
In 28 Scottish Premiership games, he has contributed 12 goals and two assists.
| Dessers v Dundee | |
| Shots | 12 |
| Shots on target | 75% |
| Big chances missed | 5 |
| Goals | 1 |
However, at 30 years old there have been questions over what the future holds for Dessers at Rangers and whether he could be moving on at the end of the season.
The pundits on BBC Sportscene (29 March) suggest that Dessers still has what it takes to succeed, though, as they analysed what separates him from other strikers.
Steven Thompson pointed out: “Dessers should have had about five today. He missed about three one-on-ones in the first half but, again, it’s the great thing about Dessers. He doesn’t let it drop his head.”
Stuart Kettlewell was quick to agree as he replied: “It’s just an unbelievable trait in a striker, I think.
“He had eight serious attempts on goal and hadn’t scored by that point and then obviously, he’s just so persistent in what he does. He’s got, I think, 12 league goals now, which isn’t a bad return.”
Dessers reliable for Rangers
Although Dessers could, and should, have scored more goals against Dundee, as the pundits point out, he is someone who has the ability to produce things late in the game to change the narrative.
It’s hard to predict anyone’s future too closely at the moment as it looks as though the 49ers will be bringing in their own manager to replace Ferguson should the takeover go through.
It has been reported that Dor Turgeman is on the radar at Ibrox, which could well represent a move way from an older striker like Dessers and rather, replacing him with some young blood.
The striker remains under contract, too, meaning the Light Blues would have a good opportunity to cash in on the player, which could be of benefit in the long run.
In the meantime, the 30-year-old will no doubt continue to try and deliver his best levels and you certainly feel that his side will be able to rely on him if they find themselves needing a late goal.
If Ferguson wants to continue to leave his mark on the side, though, he will also have to continue working with Dessers to try and make sure that next time he converts more of his chances.
The Bears have one more Scottish Premiership game before returning to Europa League action and they will have to improve on the level of performance they showed against Dundee if they want to progress.