Player Performance: Cyriel Dessers vs Motherwell

It’s fair to say it hasn’t been the smoothest start to Cyriel Dessers Rangers career. In 11 total appearances he has 3 goals and 2 assists. Considering he was supposed to be the main man up top, those aren’t impressive numbers.

Rangers are a team who have plenty of shots every game. Despite the football not being great, plenty of chances are created. 3 goals in 11 total appearances for a striker how cost upwards of £4m, isn’t good enough.

Kemar Roofe has come in recently and performed well. Yesterday represented a chance for Dessers to show he has what it takes to challenge Roofe for the starting spot. Do you think he showed he’s a capable challenger?

The Numbers

These were Cyriel Dessers stats against Motherwell;

• 67 Minutes Played
• 1 Goal
• 3 Shots (2 on target)
• 1 Chance Created
• 22 Touches
• 50% Dribble success (1/2)
• 20% Ground Duels Won (1/5)
• 3 Offsides

22 touches in 67 minutes of play from your supposed focal point is unacceptable. He was given the benefit of the doubt towards the start of the season due to his lack of preseason. That being said, he still looks off the pace.

He’s clunky on the ball, especially when he has time to think. His link up play is decent at times and he is capable of creating chances.

That’s not what he’s there to do though, he needs to start scoring goals and a lot of them.

The Eye Test

Granted, he got the winner yesterday, did he do anything else though? Did he even know much about the goal? Some have given him credit for changing his body position. Whereas some have claimed it as ‘lucky’. What was your opinion on the finish?

As previously mentioned, Cyriel Dessers was poor on the ball yesterday. He doesn’t look a threat when one on one with defenders. He doesn’t have the pace of technical ability to get past opponents.

This makes him rather easy to defend against at times. Especially when he doesn’t seem to know the offside rule. I was surprised that it was only 3 times he was caught offside though, it seemed like more watching the game.

He’s not a fox in the box, he’s not a target man or a playmaker. I’m honestly not sure how Rangers and Michael Beale get the best out of him. The difference when Roofe plays is huge.

With his movement and ability on the ball, Kemar Roofe is a much more intelligent footballer.

Cyriel Dessers Season so Far

In 5 SPFL appearances, he has 1 goal so far from an xG of 1.65. Considering some of the chances missed, especially the headers against Ross County. I’m shock that the xG isn’t higher.

Especially when you consider that he’s missed 4 ‘big chances’ in those 5 appearances. For a player that’s scored goals in Serie A, the Eredivisie and in European competitions, it’s incredibly disappointing.

Not only that, when you consider the spend of £4m+ it only accentuates that disappointment. I had high hopes for his arrival. He seemed like he could be more of a goal scorer than Morelos was.

However, he hasn’t offered what Morelos does either inside or outside the box so far. It’s still early on and there’s a chance he can hit form. We’re still in September so there is plenty time for Cyriel Dessers to turn it around.

Conclusion

Yesterday was a huge chance for Cyriel Dessers. It was his time to show he should be in contention to be the main striker. However, despite his goal, he didn’t make the impact expected of him.

Rangers have played better with Roofe in the central position. The Jamaican striker also seems a much safer bet to get a goal also.

How did you feel about Dessers performance yesterday? Do you think he has what it takes to be the number one option? Are you willing to give him time to show that he can?

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