Cyriel Dessers, the Super Eagles striker currently plying his trade at Rangers, has his sights firmly set on Europa League glory. Fresh off winning Rangers’ Goal of the Month award for January, Dessers exudes confidence in his team’s ability to make a deep run in the competition. His award-winning goal, a stunning 83rd-minute strike against Manchester United at Old Trafford, epitomizes his skill and composure under pressure. He expertly controlled a long pass, outmuscled Harry Maguire, and slotted the ball into the bottom corner, showcasing the qualities that make him a valuable asset to the Rangers’ attack. Having already secured a spot in the Europa League last 16, Dessers believes the team’s strong performances against top-tier opposition demonstrate their potential to achieve something special.
Dessers’ belief in Rangers’ European prospects stems from both his current form and past experiences. He highlights the team’s challenging Europa League journey, having faced some of the toughest competition in the tournament and still emerging as one of the top eight teams. This resilience, he argues, proves their ability to compete with the best. He draws further confidence from his own experience in reaching the Europa Conference League final with Feyenoord in 2022, a testament to his ability to perform on the big stage. He recognizes that the competition gets tougher with each round, but maintains that any outcome is possible in the knockout stages, especially against even the biggest clubs. He sees the path to the final as a series of 50-50 encounters, where Rangers have a legitimate chance to progress.
The Nigerian international’s recent form has been nothing short of remarkable. He has been directly involved in seven goals in his last five matches, bringing his season’s tally to an impressive 18 goals and five assists in 35 appearances. This resurgence comes after a period of uncertainty in early January, when his future at Rangers seemed unclear amidst interest from Italian clubs. Dessers admits that the lack of playing time at the start of the month fueled speculation about his potential departure. However, he affirms his commitment to Rangers, expressing his desire to stay and contribute to the team’s success. The increased playing time in recent weeks has coincided with both his individual and the team’s improved form, solidifying his importance to the squad.
Dessers’ journey at Rangers hasn’t been without its challenges. He openly acknowledges the difficult period he faced earlier in the season, particularly concerning the criticism he received from some sections of the fan base. He recalls the experience of being booed during a match against Aberdeen, describing it as a tough moment to endure. However, he balances this by emphasizing the positive interactions he’s had with other fans, both around the stadium and in the city, and chooses to focus on these encouraging encounters. This resilience and ability to compartmentalize criticism demonstrate his mental fortitude and focus on contributing to the team’s success.
Despite the early season challenges, Dessers has consistently proven his worth to the team. His recent performances have showcased his ability to score crucial goals, further cementing his place in the starting lineup. His stunning late goal in Rangers’ 3-1 victory over Dundee United, a powerful strike into the top corner, exemplifies his finishing prowess and ability to impact games decisively. He credits the entire team for the positive vibes and improved form, highlighting the collective effort that has driven their recent success. With his current form and the team’s positive momentum, Dessers looks forward to the upcoming challenges with optimism.
The next challenge for Dessers and Rangers is a Scottish Cup fifth-round clash against Queen’s Park. Dessers is eager to continue his scoring streak in the cup competition, having already bagged a hat-trick in the previous round against Fraserburgh. He recognizes the Scottish Cup as a significant opportunity for the team to add silverware to their cabinet and is determined to make a meaningful contribution. With the team performing well and the atmosphere within the squad positive, Dessers believes Rangers are well-positioned for a successful cup run. He emphasizes the collective understanding within the team of the importance of this opportunity, and the shared desire to capitalize on their current form. This collective focus, combined with Dessers’ individual brilliance, sets the stage for an exciting cup tie and further fuels the hope for a triumphant season for Rangers.
