Peter Lovenkrands raises fresh Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi doubts after what he’s seen
Rangers legend Peter Lovenkrands doesn’t believe that Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi are out-and-out strikers amid doubts over their partnership.
Naderi joined Rangers from Hansa Rostock in early February and so far the 22-year-old is yet to score in five Scottish Premiership games.
It is still early days for the young German, while summer signing Chermiti has scored nine goals in 32 matches in all competitions for the Gers this season.
The former Everton man has shown he can deliver in big league games this term, with eight of his nine goals coming against top two sides, Celtic and Hearts.
But further down the stretch, ex-Newcastle United player Lovenkrands believes Rangers pair Naderi and Chermiti are still a bit “raw” in attack following their Scottish Cup quarter-final loss to Celtic.
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Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi less clinical than Rangers teammate
Chermiti has scored some terrific goals for Rangers this season, most notably his brilliant brace against Celtic in their 2-2 draw in the league on 1 March.
But outside of games against Hearts and Celtic, the £8million recruit has been found wanting in the Scottish top flight.
And Naderi, who joined Rangers from the German third tier, has scored two goals in the Scottish Cup and added two assists in the league in seven appearances.
Naderi and Chermiti worked well as an attacking duo in Rangers’ 4-2 win over Hearts on 15 February but Lovenkrands has his doubts about them.
He said on Premier Sports: “Chermiti has shown his qualities – he’s had some unbelievable finishes, but in the last game he had some good chances and he scuffed it. I don’t think he’s an-out and-out finisher.
“I wouldn’t put him or Naderi into that bracket in any kind of way. They seem a bit raw, snatching at things. If they have time, they don’t necessarily make the right decision, a little bit like [Alfredo] Morelos at times.
“Sometimes you don’t need to think too much, you just hit it. It’s not a Kris Boyd, who you know will just score, as he was an out-and-out finisher.”
Lovenkrands also added that Mikey Moore may be a more clinical finisher than Naderi and Chermiti. The 18-year-old is on loan from Tottenham and has scored five goals and added three assists in 38 matches.
The winger, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, has impressed on occasion and it seems that Lovenkrands has higher hopes for the teenager than his attacking teammates.
Pressure ramps up on Rangers amid Naderi and Chermiti’s struggles
In the space of just over a week, the Gers have gone from being the side most likely to challenge Hearts for the league title to falling behind Martin O’Neill’s team and then losing to Celtic in the Scottish Cup.
Rangers threw away a two-goal lead at Ibrox earlier this month against the Hoops and then failed to put them away in the cup despite dominating the contest.
Chermiti has had enough time to find his feet at Rangers but it is still very early days for Naderi. He has made a big jump in terms of his career and needs time to adjust.
But with Rangers six points behind top of the table Hearts, they may not be able to give him much time to adapt as they try to win their first title since 2021.
On Sunday, Danny Rohl’s team are away to St. Mirren before rounding off the month at home to Aberdeen on 21 March.
Nothing but two wins will do for the Gers. And a goal or two for Chermiti and Naderi will certainly be well received at Ibrox.
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