Russell Martin to change Rangers system as Youssef Chermiti strengths revealed
Russell Martin arguably needs to change something quickly at Rangers as fans are already fed up.
The Gers have had their worst start to a season in 42 years under the Scottish manager, leading to a demand for change in the dugout.
During the 6-0 defeat against Club Brugge in the second leg of the Champions League play-off, the travelling supporters made their voices heard and called for the 39-year-old head coach’s dismissal.
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises can’t be blamed for not backing the former Southampton boss, having spent the most on a single player in 25 years at Ibrox to buy Youssef Chermiti, and the Scotsman must now make the most of it.
Youssef Chermiti to play in front-two at Rangers
Chermiti’s strongest aspect is his ability to score goals at the back post, Pedro Coelho says.
The Sporting Lisbon Under-15s head coach believes the 21-year-old’s pace and agility will make him a threat at Ibrox.
Coelho admits that the Portugal youth international has a lot of room to grow, but Martin has been given a clear indication of how to get the best out of him.
Speaking to The Rangers Review on 8 September, the centre-forward’s former mentor said: “Youssef is quick and strong in duels and moves very well in the box. But the stronger behaviour in his game is effectively at the back post. Youssef is so strong at the back post and always scores a lot of goals in that position. As a player, he also has a great mindset defensively, too.”
“As well as that, he’s mentally strong. His mix between the technical and tactical skills is very good for a striker, and it’s important to remember he’s still a young player.”
- Thelwell signed Chermiti at Everton for £11.5million.
- The striker didn’t score a single goal or provide an assist for the Toffees.
- Last season, the centre-forward made four Premier League appearances.
Bojan Miovski’s move to Ibrox sees him return to the William Hill Premiership, where the North Macedonia international made a name for himself with Aberdeen.
While the 26-year-old should be in contention to start most games for the Light Blues, the significant outlay on Chermiti also gives Martin an evident priority to make the most of the investment.
It would make sense for the Scottish manager to experiment with a 4-4-2 formation, with the ex-Everton striker and Miovski as his number nines, with Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman on the wings, and a switch in tactics may also help the Glaswegian outfit be more resolute defensively.
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Kevin Thelwell under pressure at Ibrox
Kevin Thelwell has put his reputation on the line for Chermiti as he sanctioned a deal worth £10m for the centre-forward.
The new Rangers sporting director also signed the Portuguese attacker during his time at Everton, but the youngster failed to score a goal or provide an assist in his two years at Goodison Park.
If the ex-Sporting CP prospect fails to live up to the expectations at the Gers, Thelwell will undoubtedly have a lot of questions to answer.
Cavenagh will certainly be demanding answers for the Light Blues’ poor start to the season, and the sporting director will have to take some responsibility if things don’t change quickly.
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