Why Youssef Chermiti wants Derek McInnes to change Rangers' formation already

Youssef Chermiti believes he will be better suited to a formation change at Rangers after the arrival of Derek McInnes.

The Portuguese U21s star has opened up on what was a difficult start to last season for him on a personal level.

There was much expectation for him after his £10million package move from Everton to Ibrox, as the poor start to the season under Russell Martin didn't help anybody.

Chermiti went on to find his best form under Danny Rohl and finished the campaign in top form in the battering of Falkirk on the final day of the season.

Since then, lots has changed in Glasgow, with McInnes now in charge, and Lawrence Shankland poised to be an important player for the Gers.

However, some have wondered what Rangers' starting eleven will look like, now that Chermiti has competition with Shankland and others.

Youssef Chermiti sends Derek McInnes clear formation plea

McInnes will be hoping to keep Chermiti this summer, with plenty of European interest in the striker.

Ibrox News has previously reported that the 49ers would sell Chermiti for an offer of £25m, though it remains to be seen if potential suitors, including PSV and Fenerbahce, have the required funds.

Regardless, the 22-year-old seems happy enough in Govan and could take his game to the next level in the forthcoming campaign.

While speaking in an interview with the Rangers Review, Chermiti detailed the prospect of being able to play in a two-striker formation next season, a possible hint for McInnes.

Chermiti said: "I think everyone knows [Shankland’s] quality. He's a good finisher. I think we can help each other. I think we want to help each other. We have me, we have Bojan [Miovski], we have Ryan [Naderi], and now we have Lawrence.

"We’re a strong, strong unit, and I think between us four, we have different skills. I think between the four of us, we can bring a lot of good things for the team.

"Personally, I prefer to play with two strikers. I feel more confident on the pitch. I think it's a good way to help us to try to get the title."

Rohl had the forward playing as a lone striker for large parts of last season, which may make Rangers fans wonder if they are yet to see the best of the former Everton man.

Shankland and Chermiti combined for a total of 31 goals in the Scottish Premiership last season, and the same total again would be appreciated at Ibrox.

However, there is still competition for places in the forward areas, with Ryan Naderi and Bojan Miovski also playing for their spot in pre-season.

How Derek McInnes' arrival may help Ryan Naderi and Bojan Mivoski

Miovski and Naderi may actually benefit from McInnes, should the Rangers manager opt to play his preferred 4-4-2 system.

That's because the need for two strikers on the pitch at all times means plenty of backup is required, especially for any injury issues.

Cup games will also be available for Rangers' rotational striker options to impress, and if one isn't performing, McInnes has a healthy plethora of other options to choose from.

Different combinations can be tried and tested, as there may yet be some surprises at Ibrox next season.