It was clear Rangers needed a refresh in the forward line, specifically with Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent leaving. The club have signed three forwards so far, Sam Lammers, Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers. How do you feel about them in a completely new look front three?
Let’s take a look at each player and how they fit into Michael Beale’s system. Assuming the manager stays with the same style he ended the season with, I suspect the front free would look like this;
This front three, for me, is incredibly exciting. It feels so refreshing and it’s completely different to last season.
Sam Lammers
Michael Beale said this when the 26-year-old Dutchman signed;
Sam will give us great technical and tactical quality, being able to play in a variety of attacking positions as a number 10 or nine. He was the first player I met with as part of the planning for the new season and during our lengthy discussions, it was clear that we share the same ideas on football and on his personal development moving forward. He has a strong alignment to the other players in our squad.
Michael Beale on Sam Lammers via Rangers official website
The comments about his technical ability and mentioning him playing as a 10, is what leads me to believe that will be his primary spot. I think with his ability and vision on the ball, Lammers could be a real creative force for Rangers.
He is incredibly confident on the ball and his close control is outstanding. He knows how to get out of tight situations and create space for himself. Considering he’s around 6’3, he also doesn’t lack pace. He’s taken the number 14 shirt, the last player from The Netherlands to wear that shirt was Ronald de Boer.
I’m not saying he’ll be as good as de Boer, because he was phenomenal, and one of my favourite players growing up, but I reckon he’ll play a similar role. I can see him being the type of player to get 10 goals and 10 assists in the SPFL, while turning up in the big games.
He’s probably the one I’m most excited to see, purely due to his technical ability. He’s two footed, creative and has played at the top level, I, for one, can’t wait to see him in action.
Read more about what you should expect of him here.
Abdallah Sima
Michael Beale had this to say on the 22-year-old Senegalese international when he joined;
We are delighted to have Abdallah join us for the forthcoming season. He is a player I’m excited to work with, he has excellent variety in his game and can fulfil a number of attacking positions in our team.
He has recently turned 22-years-old and has experienced playing in three domestic top divisions, in the Europa League and is a senior international for Senegal. We met a few weeks ago and discussed at length his alignment to our style of play and his future development as a player.
Michael Beale on Abdallah Sima via Rangers official website
Sima is tall, quick and will be a nightmare for defenders. I think the role he takes in this line up is very similar to Fashion Sakala. He has played right wing for a lot of his career so I can see him drifting out into the wide areas and pulling the defences over to him. This would leave more space for the likes of Lammers and Dessers in the middle.
He’ll fulfil the ‘wide striker’ role in the three and will look to isolate defenders one on one. He can thrive in these situations using his pace and power to beat his markers and either get a shot away for himself or create for others.
He’ll provide exactly what Sakala did, just with added height, strength and composure, he’s potentially going to be a huge upgrade. If the Zambian could get the numbers he did in this system, imagine how well Sima could do? If he plays anything like he did when he played at Ibrox for Slavia Prague, then Rangers have a gem on their hands, for this season at least.
Cyriel Dessers
It was widely reported that Dessers was the main striking target for Michael Beale this summer. It took time to get him, but he was eventually confirmed last night. The manager had this to say on him;
We were looking for a very specific profile and believe that Cyriel will give us a variety of qualities both in and out of possession. When we met, we spoke at length about his alignment to our style of play and the other forwards we have in our squad.
At 28-years-old, he is at a good age and will bring personality and leadership to our team. Cyriel pushed extremely hard to make this transfer a reality and showed a huge desire to come here.
Michael Beale on Cyriel Dessers via Rangers official website
The fact that the manager has stated the club were looking for a very specific player and they’ve got Dessers is very encouraging. He’s very much in the Morelos mould of striker. He’s strong, uses his body to turn defenders and presses incredibly well.
He is going to be a nuisance for SPFL defences. Technically, he’s more competent than Morelos. A much more composed finisher who comes in with experience from Holland, Belgium and Italy. Anyone that can managed 6 goals at a relegated Serie A side, will have a field day in Scotland.
I truly believe that he will easily pass the 20 goal mark this season. He has everything you need in a striker which is why I believe he’ll thrive at ibrox.
Michael Beale was desperate to get him in and it sounds like Dessers was desperate to get the move done also. He sounded really eager to get started and I’m excited to see what he can do.
Conclusion
Individually, I like the look of all three players and how they’ll fit in to Michael Beale’s system. I really can’t wait to see how they all perform together.
This is a front three that contains pace, power and technical ability, on paper, they could be incredibly exciting to watch. The start of the season can’t come quick enough.
Who are you most excited to see in action? Do you think this front three is enough to gain back the title?
Time will tell but looking good