Cyriel Dessers has earned early praise from his manager, Russell Martin, after a strong performance in Rangers’ 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers on Tuesday night.
Playing at Ibrox Stadium in front of over 45,000 fans, the Nigerian striker impressed by setting up the opening goal in the 15th minute and scoring a penalty just before half-time.
His assist helped new signing Djeidi Gassama score the first of his two goals on the night. Dessers’ penalty was his first goal of the new season.
Coach Happy Dessers Stayed at Club
After the match, Coach Martin said he was pleased that Dessers didn’t leave the club over the summer, despite receiving offers.
“Cyriel is the only one we actually got a bid for,” said Martin. “But it’s clear when he plays – he works so hard. Some of the other players should look at him as an example.”
Martin, 30, who previously managed MK Dons, Swansea, and Southampton, said that Dessers’ hard work and positive attitude are just as important as his goals.
He also pointed out that the team missed Dessers in their 0-0 draw against Motherwell last weekend in the Scottish Premiership.
Message to the Squad
The Rangers coach used Dessers’ attitude as a message to the rest of the squad: “There’ll be players who are left behind. They need to understand what this club expects — to work hard, not just when things are going well.”
Dessers, who was born in Belgium but plays for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, was the top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie in 2020.