It’s time for Clement to remove Dessers from his Rangers team and give new signing Igamane a chance
Cyriel Dessers’ status as Rangers’ No1 striker this term has had more to do with circumstances than his suitability for the role.
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With Danilo unable to regain full fitness following the knee injury he sustained last season, the selection of the Nigeria international has been a case of Hobson’s choice for manager Philippe Clement.
The luckless Brazilian managed the sum total of 69 minutes across two games before undergoing more surgery on his troublesome limb — a development that led to Clement excluding him from the Europa League squad.
Dessers has started seven of the eight competitive matches so far this term, playing the full 90 minutes on five occasions.
Those determined to accentuate the positives in the debate which constantly surrounds Dessers have never had any shortage of material to throw in the faces of the critics.
In his first season after signing from Cremonese for £4.5m last year under Michael Beale, he managed 22 goals. In the opening six games of this campaign, he found the net five times. From a distance, that’s a healthy return.
Hamza Igamane was impressive at Tannadice and could replace Dessers against Dundee.
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Hamza Igamane was impressive at Tannadice and could replace Dessers against Dundee.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has given Dessers a start in seven matches this season.
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Rangers manager Philippe Clement has given Dessers a start in seven matches this season.
Rangers striker Danilo managed 69 minutes across two games before undergoing knee surgery.
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Rangers striker Danilo managed 69 minutes across two games before undergoing knee surgery.
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Yet as impressive as those statistics may be, they don’t tell the whole story. Ten of Dessers’ goals in his first year came against bottom six or lower league opposition in cup competitions.
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Given the same number of chances, a more accomplished forward would have hit between 30 and 40 goals. There’s a reason why the 29-year-old’s career prior to moving to Glasgow was largely spent with lesser-known sides in Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy.
His display for 65 minutes at Tannadice on Sunday was characteristic of his time at the club. A fine through ball to assist 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 hold-up play becoming more apparent by the minute, Dundee United had hope in the second half when they really should have had none.
But it wasn’t just the fact that their side ultimately prevailed in the match which put a spring in the step of the travelling supporters as they made for the exits.
Hidden from public view until the contest at Celtic Park three weeks ago was effectively over, Hamza Igamane made a striking impression in the 25 minutes he was afforded after replacing Dessers on Tayside.
While the time it’s taken the Moroccan to get up to speed since signing from FAR Rabat for £2m in July has been a source of frustration for the Light Blue legions, it does appear that Clement’s patience will now be rewarded.
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While the 21-year-old is by no means the finished article, he is strong, mobile and skilful and quick off the mark.
Given he’s still adapting to the Scottish game after two years playing in the top flight in Morocco, Clement’s plea for caution in this instance is partly understandable.
But the simple fact is that Igamane showed up far better at Tannadice than the man he replaced. Accordingly, he deserves to make his first start against Dundee at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup.
Clement certainly believes the player has a big future in the game. Speaking when the player joined in early July, he said: ‘We believe he will be a great asset to our squad. He has a lot of talent and potential and he will bring a fresh presence to our attacking options.
‘We know it will be a big change in culture and a new country for Hamza to adapt to, but as a club we will support him on and off the pitch to settle in here.’
His cameo display on Sunday suggested he’s now 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 big fee when the time is right.
In the here and now, though, Clement looks to have an exciting prospect on his hands.
Back in his homeland too, there is real excitement about what Igamane can do at Ibrox and, by extension, for the reputation of Moroccan football in Europe.
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So, what can Rangers fans expect if he’s given a run in the side?
While Igamane’s versatility saw him play across the front line for his club last term, seasoned observers of his talent believe he’s better as a second striker with licence to roam.
His style of play has drawn comparisons with players like Memphis Depay and Marcus Rashford although his liking for winning physical battles in the box may have shades of peak Morelos.
Despite only being 21, he has significant experience. He’s played for his previous club in African cup competitions and won the African Cup with the Moroccan Olympic team.
That should bode well for his time at Rangers — as should the passion for the game in his homeland.
Clement should have fewer concerns about throwing him in from the start this weekend than a week ago.
A competent if unspectacular performance against United eased a lot of the angst and anger that came after the loss to Celtic.
While there was never going to be a welcome party waiting back at Ibrox after a stuffy win, it at least ensured the angry mob which rounded on the players after their loss at Parkhead took the day off.
While his side’s bright start did taper off, Rangers were still good value for the win that cut the gap to Celtic and Aberdeen to five points.
If a lack of efficiency in front of goal contributed to an unnecessarily nervous finale, the positive for Clement was that his side looked watertight at the back.
A fourth clean sheet in eight outings was derived from honest toil on the training pitch. With Robin Propper and Jefte still acclimatising to their new environment, Clement will hope his side demonstrate the same level of defensive assurance when they face the other team on Tayside.
A return to Ibrox, albeit with the Copland Road stand still closed, will feel like another timely boost for all concerned.
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For those in attendance, seeing a new hero in the front line would make the first game back at their spiritual home all the sweeter.
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