Cyriel Dessers has faced heavy criticism in Scotland but now appears to be Rangers FC's most valuable player. In a week when the club changed managers, the former Feyenoord striker stepped up.
Glasgow Rangers produced a dramatic and much-needed comeback victory against Kilmarnock, rallying from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 4-2 win in what was an emotional and turbulent week for the club.
The result marked a winning start for interim manager Barry Ferguson, who stepped in following the dismissal of Philippe Clement. The Belgian coach was relieved of his duties after a string of poor results left Rangers struggling to keep pace in the title race. Ferguson, a club legend who made over 400 appearances for Rangers and captained the side during some of its most successful years, was handed the responsibility of steadying the ship. However, his first game in charge got off to the worst possible start. "It was terrible," he admitted to the BBC, reflecting on a nightmare opening 15 minutes where his team conceded twice and looked completely disjointed.
Playing away at Kilmarnock, Rangers found themselves overwhelmed in the early exchanges, unable to cope with the hosts' intensity. Defensive errors and a lack of cohesion allowed Kilmarnock to establish a 2-0 lead before Ferguson could even begin to implement his tactical ideas. On the touchline, the former Rangers captain appeared visibly frustrated as his players struggled to respond. "Sometimes I wondered if they were even listening," he later confessed, emphasizing his concerns about the team's mentality and approach. Just when it seemed that another damaging defeat was looming, Rangers found a glimmer of hope just before halftime. Václav Černý stepped up with a crucial goal to cut the deficit in half, breathing new life into the visitors as they headed into the dressing room.
Whatever Ferguson said at halftime had an immediate effect, as Rangers emerged for the second half looking like a completely different team. Leading the charge was Cyriel Dessers, who took it upon himself to turn the match around. The Nigerian international, who has faced significant criticism in Scotland since his arrival, delivered one of his finest performances in a Rangers shirt. In a relentless attacking display, Dessers found the net twice, completely shifting the momentum in favor of the visitors. His first goal was a demonstration of his sharp instincts in the box, reacting quickly to a loose ball and finishing with precision. But it was his second goal that truly stole the show. With remarkable technique and confidence, he struck the ball first-time with pure instinct, sending it past the helpless goalkeeper in what was arguably one of Rangers' best goals of the season. "It was all on instinct, like being on autopilot. That's what you do as a striker," he told Sky Sports after the game.
The transformation in Rangers' play during the second half was evident. With Dessers leading the attack, the team looked more fluid, aggressive, and determined to complete the comeback. The midfield began to take control of possession, while the defense tightened up to prevent further damage. Once they took the lead, Rangers never looked back, and they added a fourth goal late in the game to secure an emphatic victory. It was a result that not only gave Ferguson a winning start to his tenure but also reignited Rangers' title ambitions at a critical moment in the season.
For Dessers, the game was a personal triumph. Having endured criticism for inconsistency earlier in the campaign, he has steadily silenced his doubters with a series of strong performances. His brace against Kilmarnock took his tally to 20 goals for the season across all competitions, a remarkable achievement for a player who had been under intense scrutiny. "Twenty goals in February is not bad," he said after the match, clearly aware that his numbers speak for themselves. "I still have three months and want more. And preferably, I want to win a trophy. My hunger is growing." His words reflected the confidence and ambition of a striker who is hitting peak form at just the right time.
Rangers' victory was more than just three points; it was a statement of resilience and determination. After a tumultuous week that saw a managerial change and lingering doubts about the squad’s ability to compete for silverware, the performance against Kilmarnock sent a clear message. The second-half fightback highlighted the leadership of key players, the tactical influence of Ferguson, and, above all, the importance of Dessers as a focal point in attack. With 20 goals to his name and a renewed sense of confidence, the Nigerian forward is proving to be one of the most valuable assets in the squad.
Looking ahead, Rangers will need to build on this result as they continue to chase silverware on multiple fronts. The competition at the top of the Scottish Premiership remains fierce, and every point will be crucial in the title race. Ferguson’s immediate challenge will be ensuring that the momentum from this victory carries forward into the coming fixtures. If Dessers maintains his current form, Rangers will have a genuine match-winner capable of making the difference in the crucial games ahead.
For the fans, this was a night to celebrate. The dramatic nature of the comeback, the brilliance of Dessers, and the passion shown by Ferguson on the touchline all contributed to a sense of renewed belief. While doubts had begun to creep in following a difficult run of results, this performance was a reminder that Rangers still have the quality and character to fight for major honors. If this game is any indication, Dessers may well be the player to lead them to glory before the season is over.
