Rangers delivered a dominant performance in their 3-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Viktoria Plzen at Ibrox on August 5, marking a strong statement under Russell Martin. New signing Oliver Antman impressed on debut, but it was Cyriel Dessers who stole the spotlight with a goal and an assist—despite ongoing speculation about his future at the club.
Dessers had been linked with a move away from Ibrox earlier this summer, with AEK Athens submitting a bid that failed to meet Rangers’ valuation. Yet, the 30-year-old Nigerian forward has featured in all of Rangers’ games this season, starting three of four matches and making a strong case to remain part of Martin’s plans.
Dessers, who ended last season as the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership, has divided opinion among fans and pundits. That debate continued during a talkSPORT segment on August 6, when Andy Townsend questioned Dessers’ overall quality and ability to consistently deliver goals.
Townsend remarked: “To be honest, I’ve never been convinced he has what it takes to hit the kind of numbers you’d expect from a Rangers striker.” But co-host David Tanner quickly corrected him, stating: “Well, remarkably, he was actually the top goalscorer in the Scottish Premiership last season.”
Caught off guard, Townsend responded: “Did he really? Wow, that’s amazing fair play to him.”
Despite ongoing transfer rumors, Dessers’ recent performance suggests he could still play a vital role for Rangers this season.
