Youssef Chermiti has chance to start paying back Rangers fee as new Europa League claim made
Youssef Chermiti became Rangers’ second most expensive signing in the club’s history after signing from Everton on deadline day.
Chermiti joined Rangers for a fee of £8million, with add-ons taking the deal up to £10m, with only Tore Andre Flo’s transfer exceeding that figure.
The 21-year-old has immediately found himself playing second fiddle to proven goalscorer Bojan Miovski, as the Portuguese striker has only started one match for the Bears.
That came during Rangers’ 1-0 loss to Genk in their Europa League opener, and the Light Blues are back in continental action against reigning Austrian champions Sturm Graz.
Kevin Thelwell clearly views Chermiti as a player with huge potential, and the Europa League is the perfect opportunity to endear himself to sceptical Rangers fans.
Youssef Chermiti may have chance to shine vs Sturm Graz
Chermiti is obviously not to blame for the extortionate fee Rangers paid to Everton, yet Gers fans will expect him to hit the ground running.
Whilst he has been exposed to just 40 minutes of Scottish Premiership action, the Europa League is the perfect opportunity for the Portuguese striker to showcase his ability.
Speaking on the Record Rangers podcast on October 1, journalist Scott McDermott discussed how the Sturm Graz clash could bode well for Chermiti.
He said: “He’s a young player that is trying to develop and improve, so he’s got to play. The league is the priority, and Chermiti has to find rhythm by playing in the Europa League.
“Rangers might play more on the counter-attack against Graz, and his runs in behind could suit them.”
In his full debut versus Genk, Chermiti was ineffective throughout the match, although Rangers played with ten men for the majority of the match, leaving him isolated up front.
| Minutes played | 80 |
| Touches | 25 |
| Shots | 0 |
| Pass accuracy (percentage) | 67 |
| Duels won (percentage) | 33 |
Chermiti’s goalscoring record prior to joining the Bears makes for sore reading, and Thelwell has already been criticised for sanctioning the move.
He did not score a senior goal during his two-year spell at Merseyside, yet Thelwell, who worked with Chermiti at Everton, was convinced that he could be the man to replace Cyriel Dessers.
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Sturm Graz will be a tough test for Rangers, and Chermiti will have to be at his best if the Gers are to secure their first Europa League win of the season.
Sturm Graz match could favour Chermiti’s athleticism
Whilst Sturm Graz are favourites to beat Rangers, Chermiti’s movement could cause problems for the Austrian side.
Sitting second in the Austrian Bundesliga, Sturm Graz manager Samuel has built an extremely solid side that will be tough to break down on Thursday night.
| Games played | 7 |
| Goals scored | 12 |
| Goals conceded | 4 |
Russell Martin could slightly tweak his system as Graz also play a possession-based style of football.
This could enable Chermiti to thrive off more direct passes, with the striker’s movement off the ball one of his best qualities.
His hold-up play will also need to be exceptional whilst the aggressive Graz defence applies pressure on him.
Ibrox has seen some brilliant forwards in the past, and Chermiti will need to gain confidence quickly if he is to be regarded as a successful signing by Rangers fans.
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