Why it's a matter of time before Djeidi Gassama explodes at Rangers amid new reveal

Djeidi Gassama is a player whose value to Rangers perhaps goes unappreciated at times.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a solid debut 2025-26 season at Ibrox, scoring nine times and providing five assists in all competitions.

Arriving as a very highly-rated young attacker from Sheffield Wednesday, it was hoped he could become one of the best players in Scottish football.

Perhaps not quite at that level yet, Gassama is now carving out a more consistent starting role under Derek McInnes than he did under Danny Rohl.

He is a player who splits opinion somewhat, and can frustrate and dazzle in equal measure.

What the Mauritanian international does provide, however, is some specific traits that could eventually tip the title race in Gers' favour.

Where does Djeidi Gassama lead Scottish Premiership rivals this season?

Through the opening seven league games of this season, Gassama is yet to open his goalscoring account and has just the one assist to his name.

As a result, some may see his start to the campaign as being a disappointing one in that respect.

Goal contributions will come for him though, with his underlying numbers showing that it's not a case of if, it's when.

Per FotMob, no Scottish Premiership left winger has taken more touches in the opposition box (48) or won more penalties (two) than Gassama has this term.

Meanwhile, he also ranks in the top 3.6 percentile of his positional rivals for his 23 shots on goal and 15 chances created.

But it's the former two stats regarding his opposition box touches and penalties won that prove just how deadly a weapon he is for Rangers.

If Rangers are to be crowned champions this season, they're going to have to turn draws into wins, as well as being able to find victories in all kinds of ways.

So, with a player like Gassama on the pitch, they're always in with a chance of winning ugly from the penalty spot.

It's not just the art of winning penalties Gassama seems to have mastered though.

Why Gassama can let Rangers control games in shrewd fashion

Similarly to winning penalties, Gassama is also an expert at drawing fouls in general.

Per FotMob, his 19 fouls won so far this season puts him in the top 5.5 per cent of all Scottish Premiership left wingers.

This trait was also proven whilst on international duty with Mauritania last Thursday.

Playing 83 minutes in a 3-1 win over Central African Republic, Gassama won a whopping five fouls.

What this does is not only serve to see opposition defenders routinely walking yellow card tightropes, but gives his side the chance to dictate the tempo of games.

Make no mistake, Gassama is an essential cog in Rangers' title-hunting plan this season.