Rangers‘ search for a record 55th Scottish Premiership title continues as they look to dethrone Celtic. They lost some of the crucial players in the summer, including winger Ryan Kent, Antonio Colak, and Alfredo Morelos, whose contract expired. Michael Beale invested in bringing some forwards to the club.
Cyriel Dessers and Danilo were the two most expensive signings for the Gers in the summer. Dessers came from the Italian club Cremonense, and Danilo came from the Dutch club Feyenoord. Rangers’ fans will be hoping for a lot from their team, and here is a look at what these new signings could offer to the Scottish club.
Brazilian talent and Eredivisie winner: Danilo
Danilo was the most expensive signing made by Rangers this season. The former Ajax youth player won the Eredivisie with the senior team in 2021–22. He was then sold to Feyenoord, and the Brazilian won the Dutch league with them as well. The 24-year-old won back-to-back league titles and will be eyeing his third with the new club.
The forward played 48 matches combined in the Eredivisie, UEFA Europa League and KNVB Cup. He scored 14 goals, with 10 coming in the league. Danilo only started in 22 games. His shot map shows that he is always available for a pass in and around the six-yard box.
Danilo has already scored his first goal for the club and his first goal in the Scottish Premiership. The 24-year-old has two goals in six appearances. He has taken 16 shots, and both goals came from inside the penalty box. The player has service in his favourite area but has yet to capitalise on it.
Nigerian Powerhouse: Cyriel Dessers
Cyriel Dessers is an experienced campaigner and has played for Genk and Feyenoord. He was signed from Cremonese, who got relegated from Serie A at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Cyriel Dessers played five games for Genk before moving to Cremonese. He scored four goals for the Belgian side. Serie A is a competitive league, and the Nigerian forward was playing for a side struggling to survive in the top division.
Dessers scored seven goals in 29 appearances combined in the cup and league. The 28-year-old lacked accuracy but often found himself in decent scoring positions.
Cyriel Dessers has also netted two goals, with one coming from the penalty spot. His work rate is high, and there is a significant improvement in accuracy. The shot assists map shows that Dessers likes to set up his teammate for a shot, and twice they have found the back of the net.
What else can these two offer?
The above viz shows the percentile rank of the player and compares the stats of these two new signings. Danilo was a part of the title-winning team, and Dessers played for a team that got relegated.
The Brazilian clearly dominates his new striking partner. However, he will rely on Dessers to set up a few goals around his favourite scoring area. The Nigerian is a better dribbler and also edges in dangerous passes and aerial prowess.
Rangers need a lot of contributions from these two and the whole team. Celtic could level the number of league wins, and that won’t be acceptable in their camp. The fans will also have high expectations from the new faces in the attack.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
