Glasgow Rangers return to Premiership action this weekend after their midweek heroics in the Europa League.
This has become something of a recurring theme for the Ibrox side over the previous few seasons, as they have reached the last 16 of the competition every season except one since 2019/20. Although they did compete in the Champions League during the 2022/23 season.
The tie against Aberdeen is effectively a dead rubber for the Light Blues, as they will finish second in the table regardless of what happens this weekend.
All eyes will be on the return leg against Athletic Bilbao in Spain on Thursday evening. A 0-0 result during the first leg, which saw Robin Propper sent off after 12 minutes, along with Liam Kelly saving a penalty, means the Gers have a fighting chance of making it to the semi-finals.
There were a few poor performers during the first leg, however, and this should force Barry Ferguson into making a change or two, especially with the return tie in mind.
One player who should be dropped against the Dons is Cyriel Dessers, who was dismal against the La Liga side.
Cyriel Dessers' game in numbers vs Bilbao
The 30-year-old was tasked with leading the line in place of Hamza Igamane, which was perhaps seen as a bit of a surprise given their contrasting form in the competition.
Nevertheless, Dessers had scored against Manchester United and Fenerbahçe, with hopes high that he could repeat the feat against Spanish opposition.
Unfortunately, he didn’t have the best of games for the Light Blues. Typically, Dessers missed a big chance, while failing to even register a single shot on target during his 85 minutes on the pitch.
The striker managed to take just 18 touches, completed four of his ten passes and won only 40% of his total duels contested against Bilbao, offering next to nothing in the final third.
Despite his decent scoring record for the club – netting 45 goals in 102 appearances – he is always going to be a point of discussion among the fanbase.
Assistant manager Neil McCann said of the striker last week: “Cyriel Dessers will always divide opinion because he will miss chances, but this is the life of a striker. I was so proud of him after the game because he didn’t stop pushing and making runs – we need to create chances for him and that is what we are doing.”
That said, should he now be replaced?
Why Cyriel Dessers must be dropped by Rangers
In December, journalist Scott Bradley criticised the striker, saying: “I’ve had a lot of patience with Cyriel Dessers, but Rangers need to cut ties with him in January. He’s the most frustrating player I’ve watched at Ibrox. I’ve never seen a player quite like him, but it’s clear as day he’s not got the mentality to play for Rangers.”
Rangers didn’t move him on during the January transfer window, but it might be a possibility that he moves on in the summer, especially considering it could be the ideal time to cash in with two years left on his deal.
With changes expected ahead of the Aberdeen clash, Ferguson will be keen to give minutes to those who haven’t featured as often in the last few weeks.
Could this see Igamane return to the starting XI? He will need some minutes in the legs ahead of the second leg next Thursday. Igamane has already scored once against the Dons this season, netting in the comfortable 3-0 victory back in January.
Before his winner against Celtic midway through March, that was his last Premiership goal and there has been a slight downturn in his form in recent weeks, no doubt about that.
Goals
10
4
Assists
1
1
Shots per game
2.8
1.4
Goal conversion percentage
13%
31%
Big chances created
9
1
The overall feeling, however, is that his maiden season at Rangers has been an overwhelming success. Across 40 matches in all competitions for the club, the 22-year-old has scored 14 goals and grabbed three assists.
This works out as a goal contribution once every 2.3 matches. Given how poorly received he was on arrival last summer, he has proven plenty of his critics wrong.
In recent weeks. Ferguson has deployed Igamane on the left wing in order to cater for Dessers as his main option through the middle.
The Moroccan international is at his best when operating in a central role, especially as his hold-up play is far better than his senior teammate.
Indeed, journalist Joshua Barrie noted after the 0-0 result in midweek that Igamane had made nine successful passes/carries during his 15-minute cameo at Ibrox.
In comparison, Dessers only managed eight successful passes/carries across 85 minutes of action on the pitch. It is clear that the youngster is far better at linking up play, carrying the ball into the final third and is much more energetic.
Starting him against Aberdeen would allow the centre-forward to get some vital minutes in his legs ahead of the second leg against Bilbao, where he must start.
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A goal or two against the Pittodrie outfit would certainly bolster his confidence, that’s for sure.
Football Insider reported last month that Everton are looking to make a move for the African sensation when the summer transfer window opens up in a few months.
No fee has been mentioned as yet, but whoever arrives as the new permanent manager of Rangers will surely be looking at maximising the profit so that he has some funds to work with this summer.
And what about Dessers? Will the new boss retain his services? That will depend on his style of play and whether there is scope for him in the first-team squad next term.
Whatever happens, Igamane must be used to leading the line, especially against Bilbao next week. Replacing Dessers for the trip north this afternoon must be the one change that Ferguson has to make, especially if he wishes to lead the Ibrox side to their second European semi-final in just three years.
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