Youssef Chermiti’s excellence ‘won’t last’ at Rangers in new Peter Lovenkrands admission

Former Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands still has his doubts over Youssef Chermiti.

The Portuguese striker joined Rangers for £8million from Everton back in September, with up to £2m in add-ons also included in the deal.

Chermiti has often struggled for the Bears, but his latest brace against Celtic at Ibrox was another indication that he has a huge future ahead of him.

However, he hasn’t been able to perform against the weaker sides, and Lovenkrands believes that he can’t rely on only scoring goals in the big games.

Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti in background with goalscoring stat against Celtic and Hearts
Credit: Imago

Youssef Chermiti can’t solely rely on scoring in Rangers vs Celtic

After last weekend’s 2-2 draw, Rangers and Celtic meet again at Ibrox on Sunday, this time in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.

Four of Chermiti’s nine goals this season have come against the Hoops, and although he relishes the fixture, it shows how inconsistent he’s been in other areas.

Speaking to the Daily Record on Friday, Lovenkrands said he believes the Portuguese forward’s streak against Celtic won’t continue, meaning he needs to add some reliability to his game.

StatChermiti
Appearances31
Goals9
Assists2
Chermiti’s stats for Rangers in all competitions

He said: “Chermiti’s done fantastically against Celtic this season. His goals in the last game were absolutely incredible. The overhead kick was a peach.

“If he can keep that going against the rest of the league, it’ll be fantastic for Rangers. Last weekend might be something for him to build on. There’s another Old Firm game coming, but it might be that it gives him confidence.

“For Chermiti, doing it for Rangers against Celtic, he should enjoy it. It’s not going to last. I just couldn’t score at Ibrox against them.”

It’s clear that he has to perform on a more regular basis, although Rangers fans won’t be too upset if he repeats his Old Firm heroics.

Here’s why Danny Rohl got it spot with Chermiti

Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack reported on 27 January that Fenerbahce have made a £13m bid for the Portuguese forward.

The Bears instantly rejected the offer and viewed the 21-year-old as someone who isn’t for sale.

Although he was signed by Russell Martin, Danny Rohl clearly values a lot of his qualities.

Youssef Chermiti stats
Credit: Sofascore

At the time, Rangers fans were perhaps sceptical of the decision to keep Chermiti, but it has certainly proven to be the right decision so far.

The Sofascore graphic above shows he needs to do a lot more, but Rohl clearly deserves credit for keeping him in Govan.

And if the Bears end up winning silverware this season, a lot of praise must go to the former Everton striker.

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