Cyriel Dessers: Frustrating but Productive
A Polarizing Figure
Signed from Serie A’s Cremonese by former manager Michael Beale, Dessers has been a lightning rod for debate among the Ibrox faithful. A mix of the brilliant and the baffling, the Nigerian international has managed to divide opinion despite boasting a strike rate most recent Rangers No. 9s would envy.
With 47 goals in 106 appearances since arriving in Glasgow, Dessers averages nearly a goal every other game. But beneath that headline number lies a more complex story—one of inconsistency, missed chances, and flashes of true quality.
Movement Over Composure
The £4.5 million forward’s finishing may be erratic, but his movement in advanced areas remains a key asset. Constantly finding pockets of space, Dessers creates more opportunities than most strikers in the Premiership—but struggles to consistently convert them. That paradox defines his Rangers tenure: high output, but an uneasy sense that more should be on offer.
His well-taken goal against Celtic—a composed finish after holding off Liam Scales—was his 25th of the season, a milestone he called “a proud moment” in what he acknowledged has been an “up and down” year.
A Summer of Decisions
With Rangers expected to undergo significant change at board and squad level, Dessers’ future is far from certain. The club faces a key decision: build around a forward whose movement consistently creates chances, or cash in on a player whose inconsistency continues to frustrate?
Adam Idah: Celtic’s Quiet Contributor
Filling Big Boots
On the other side of Glasgow, Adam Idah has walked a similarly complex path. Initially signed on loan from Norwich City in January, the Republic of Ireland international was made a permanent Celtic player in the summer for £9 million. That fee raised eyebrows, especially among fans unconvinced by his all-round game.
Despite tallying 19 goals in all competitions, questions linger. Idah’s composed equaliser at Ibrox—a sharp finish after pouncing on defensive chaos—was another timely reminder of his value. Yet doubts remain over whether he can truly replace Kyogo Furuhashi, whose high-energy, high-output style became synonymous with Celtic’s recent dominance before his January move to Rennes.
Style vs Substance
Idah’s critics point to long spells of anonymity in matches, a perceived lack of urgency, and limited influence outside the box. Unlike Kyogo, whose relentless pressing and tireless movement endeared him to supporters, Idah can often appear static and peripheral—despite regularly finding the net.
It’s a stylistic trade-off that Brendan Rodgers must now evaluate: does Idah offer enough outside his finishing to justify being the long-term focal point of Celtic’s attack?
Rodgers’ Balancing Act
Rodgers has stood by his £9 million man thus far, but a pivotal summer lies ahead. Will the Celtic boss double down on Idah as his No. 1 striker, or return to the market for someone in the Kyogo mould? And if that happens, will Idah accept a reduced role?
What Comes Next for Dessers and Idah?
Both Dessers and Idah have delivered key goals at critical moments, but neither has fully convinced their respective fanbases. As the season winds down, their futures are under the microscope.
At Rangers, Dessers could be sold to fund a rebuild. At Celtic, Idah’s role may hinge on Rodgers’ summer plans and the board’s appetite for further investment.
One derby, two goals, and yet many more questions. For both strikers, the summer promises to be just as defining as the goals they scored on Sunday.
