Scott Arfield issues ‘Ugly’ Cyriel Dessers verdict ahead of Rangers clash v Athletic Bilbao
Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers has been a polarising figure among the fanbase since moving to Ibrox in 2023.
However, despite all the criticism, the Nigeria international appears to be nearing 50 goals in all competitions for Gers.
After starting the first leg against Athletic Bilbao, he was rested for the weekend’s draw at Aberdeen.
Scott Arfield expects Dessers to start against Athletic Bilbao
Rangers go into the second leg against Bilbao as underdogs but will back themselves to cause an upset.
With the score level after the first leg, there is every chance of Gers sitting back and trying to carve out opportunities on the counter at San Mames.
The eleven is still up for discussion and despite his erratic form, Scott Arfield expects Dessers to be given the nod.
| Stat | Rangers | Athletic Club |
| Possession (%) | 29 | 71 |
| Shots | 4 | 19 |
| Expected goals | 0.14 | 2.37 |
| Accurate passes | 142 | 477 |
He wrote in the Record on 16 April: “I expect to see Dessers leading the line too. As I said, he’s a guy who will always split opinion because of the sheer number of chances he misses and yet, he’s approaching 50 goals inside two seasons.
“Those numbers are mental given how erratic he is but I just think he’s a player who comes alive in the bigger games. We’ve seen him score big efforts away from home against Betis, Manchester United and Fenerbahce.
“He reminds me so much of Alfredo Morelos at times. There’s so also times where he scuffs his finish but it somehow manages to find a way into the corner of the net.
“But the real thing that impresses me about Dessers is that ability to shrug off the bad misses and ugly sitters.”
Barry Ferguson must include Hamza Igamane in the Rangers starting eleven
Barry Ferguson should opt against starting Dessers in the second leg against Athletic Bilbao, favouring Hamza Igamane as the starting striker, with Dessers better suited as a substitute.
The Morocco international brings dynamism, unpredictability, and clinical finishing, as evidenced by his 14 goals this season, including four in the Europa League.
His trickery, strength and ability to link play make him ideal for the high-stakes match at San Mames.
Igamane’s recent goal against Aberdeen, which sparked a 10-man comeback, highlights his knack for delivering in clutch moments.
Conversely, Dessers has been inconsistent, missing numerous chances and struggling to hold up play, as seen in his lacklustre first-leg performance.
His 12 league goals are notable, but his wasteful finishing risks costing Rangers against Bilbao’s stout defence.
Starting Igamane maximises Gers’ attacking threat, while Dessers’ experience and goal-scoring instinct can be impactful off the bench, offering a different dimension if Ferguson needs a late spark.