The Nigerian international delivered a man-of-the-match display to help the Gers claim a hard-fought win on Saturday
Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has shed light on a burgeoning competition within the squad for the coveted role of penalty taker after Cyriel Dessers’ display in the League Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
While captain James Tavernier has long held the position, recent developments have thrust him into a battle for supremacy in this crucial aspect of the game.
Tavernier, known for his prowess from the penalty spot, successfully converted ten penalties last season.
Despite this impressive record, he did falter on three occasions. He has already found the back of the net with a penalty kick this season in a Champions League qualifier against Servette.
However, the emergence of Dessers, who joined the Ibrox outfit from Cremonese this summer, has added a new dimension to Rangers’ penalty-taking landscape.
The Super Eagles forward has brought with him a reputation for executing penalties with calculated precision.
Tavernier was notably absent from the matchday squad in the League Cup clash with Greenock Morton on Saturday afternoon.
And when Rangers were awarded a penalty in the 60th minute, Dessers seized the opportunity and flawlessly dispatched the ball into the net, leaving Morton’s goalkeeper James MacDonald with no chance.
Dessers’ successful penalty served as the equalizer for Rangers after Grant Gillespie had earlier converted a spot-kick for the visitors, giving them the lead.
The Nigerian striker, not content with just the penalty, went on to demonstrate his all-around capabilities.
Dessers played a crucial role in setting up Brazil’s Danilo for the match-winning goal in the 68th minute, sealing a 2-1 victory for the Gers at the Ibrox Stadium.
What has Michael Beale said?
Following the game, Gers coach Beale conveyed an important message to Tavernier, making it evident that the competition for the penalty-taking responsibility has intensified.
Beale acknowledged Dessers’ performance and emphasized the growing demand for the role, stating (as per Football Scotland), “There’s a queue of people who want to be penalty taker at this club, so James (Tavernier) is under pressure. It was nice for him to score.”
Beale further praised Dessers’ contribution to the team’s second goal, highlighting his defensive effort and skillful assist to Danilo.
“It was nice for him (Dessers) to score. I thought he did ever so well for the second goal. He tracked back, won the ball, and played to Danilo, and trademark Danilo really. He’s got quick feet in the box and finishes it quite well.”
Dessers has scored two goals and added one assist in his first five games for Rangers.
