Cyriel Dessers’ status as Rangers’ No. 1 striker this season has had more to do with circumstance than his suitability for the role.
With Danilo having failed to regain full fitness following the knee injury he sustained last season, the selection of the Nigerian international has been a Hobson’s decision for manager Philippe Clement.
The unfortunate Brazilian managed a total of 69 minutes in two games before undergoing another surgery on his problematic limb, a development which led to Clement omitting him from the Europa League squad.
Dessers has started seven of the eight competitive matches played so far this season, playing the full 90 minutes on five occasions.
Those determined to accentuate the positive aspects of the debate that constantly surrounds Dessers have never had any shortage of material to throw in the critics’ faces.
In his first season after joining from Cremonese for £4.5m last year under Michael Beale, he scored 22 goals. In the first six games of this campaign, he has scored five goals. From a distance, that’s a good figure.
Hamza Igamane was impressive at Tannadice and could replace Dessers against Dundee.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has started Dessers in seven games this season.
Rangers striker Danilo played 69 minutes in two games before undergoing knee surgery.
However, as impressive as these statistics may be, they don’t tell the whole story. Ten of Dessers’ goals in his first year came against opponents from the bottom six or lower divisions in cup competitions.
Given the same number of opportunities, a more experienced striker would have scored between 30 and 40 goals. There is a reason why the 29-year-old’s career before moving to Glasgow was largely spent at lesser-known sides in Belgium, Holland and Italy.
His performance over the 65 minutes he played at Tannadice on Sunday was a hallmark of his time at the club. A fine through ball to set up Tom Lawrence for the only goal of the game early on was the only highlight. With his heavy touches, uncertainty in the box and questionable holding-up play becoming more apparent by the minute, Dundee United had hope in the second half when they really shouldn’t have had any.
But it was not just the fact that their team ultimately prevailed in the match that encouraged the travelling fans to leave.
Hidden from public view until the game at Celtic Park effectively ended three weeks ago, Hamza Igamane made a striking impression in the 25 minutes he was allowed after replacing Dessers on Tayside.
While the time it has taken the Moroccan to find his feet since signing for £2m from FAR Rabat in July has been a source of frustration for the Light Blue legions, it appears Clement’s patience will now be rewarded.
While the 21-year-old is not a complete player, he is strong, agile, skilful and quick off the mark. Given that he is still adjusting to Scottish football after two years playing in the top flight in Morocco, Clement’s call for caution in this case is partly understandable.
But the fact is that Igamane played much better at Tannadice than the man he replaced. He therefore deserves to make his debut against Dundee at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup.
Clement firmly believes that the player has a bright future in football. When the player joined the team at the beginning of July, he said: “We believe he will be a great asset to our team. He has a lot of talent and potential and will bring a fresh presence to our attacking options.”
“We know it will be a big culture change and a new country that Hamza will have to adapt to, but as a club we will support him on and off the pitch to help him adapt here.”
His brief performance on Sunday suggested he has already made that adjustment. While Igamane remains a work in progress, Rangers feel he can eventually develop into a player worth a multiple of the fee they paid. And unlike the case of Alfredo Morelos, they will eventually look to sell him for a large sum when the time is right.
In the here and now, however, Clement appears to have an exciting prospect on his hands.
There is also genuine enthusiasm in his home country for what Igamane can do at Ibrox and, by extension, for the reputation of Moroccan football in Europe.
So what can Rangers fans expect if they give him a chance in the team? While Igamane’s versatility saw him play across the front line for his club last season, seasoned observers of his talent believe he is better off as a second striker with licence to roam.
His playing style has drawn comparisons to the likes of Memphis Depay and Marcus Rashford, although his penchant for winning physical battles in the box may have shades of his prime under Morelos.
Despite being only 21 years old, he has a wealth of experience. He has played in African Cup competitions with his former club and won the African Cup with the Moroccan Olympic team.
That should bode well for his stay at Rangers, as will the passion for the game in his homeland.
Clement should have fewer concerns about putting him on the field from the start this weekend than he did a week ago.
A competent if unspectacular performance against United eased much of the angst and anger that followed the defeat to Celtic.
While there was never going to be a welcome party waiting at Ibrox after a narrow victory, it did at least ensure the angry crowd who attacked the players after their defeat at Parkhead got a day off.
Although their team’s good start faded, Rangers still secured a good win that allowed them to reduce the gap on Celtic and Aberdeen to five points.
If a lack of effectiveness in front of goal contributed to an unnecessarily nervous finale, the silver lining for Clement was that his team were airtight in defence.
The fourth clean sheet in eight games was the result of honest work on the training ground. With Robin Propper and Jefte still acclimatising to their new surroundings, Clement will hope his side will demonstrate the same level of defensive security when they face the other team on Tayside.
The return to Ibrox, even if the Copland Road stand remains closed, will be a welcome boost for all involved. For those in attendance, seeing a new hero on the front line would make the first game back in their spiritual home all the sweeter.
