We are seeing more and more of the Youssef Chermiti Cyriel Dessers comparison springing up. Social media, and indeed the written press, have been bringing this theory in for quite a while now. Essentially the controversy that surrounded Rangers former Nigerian striker rather mirrors itself in our new Portuguese number 9. This comparison is basically only valid on the basis that he is a striker who rather divides the fanbase.
No Real Comparison
Beyond everything else, there is no comparison whatsoever between a 28 year old at the time who played not only for his country but was also free scoring for Cremonese and Feyenoord. With Rangers’ current incumbent who had absolutely zero CV whatsoever before Rangers signed him.
Chermiti is definitely the big big talk at the moment. He had a spectacular match against Hearts. And of course he stole the show against Celtic as well. This has caused a huge enigma.
However, many fans have been at pains to point out something important. Two performances in an entire season of 29 really is not very good. Ibrox Noise have also been at pains to point out very similar things.
The Numbers Do Not Lie
Chermiti should not lose any credit for his outstanding display against Hearts. He also caused serious damage to the Tynecastle side. But at the same time, he has only done this twice all season.
In 29 appearances, that is atrocious. His grand total for the season is now nine goals from those 29 matches.
Cyril Dessers’ stats were much much better. He assisted and he scored. One only needs to look at his numbers. You quickly realise how much better he actually was. 70 goals and assists in 115 tells its own story. 4 in 8 at Panathinaikos shows he’s continuing that form.
The problem with Dessers was how wasteful he appeared to be.
Dessers Versus Miovski
At the time, Ibrox Noise brought repeated comparisons. These were with the much vaunted then Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski. His stats were proven not as good as Dessers. As we were at pains to point out. Few listened to us at the time. And fans still wanted the Aberdeen man over Rangers Nigerian striker.
Rangers fans were always unfair on Dessers. Ibrox Noise frequently defended the boy. His numbers stacked up. He kept on delivering. He did so at high as well as low levels.
Proven at the Highest Level
Unlike Chermiti, who has only shown up in two matches of 29, Dessers showed up consistently. He delivered in Champions League qualifiers. He performed in the Europa League. And of course he did so domestically too.
There is simply no comparison between the two.
Dessers may be one of those classic players who is now better once he is gone. But Ibrox Noise never stopped defending his contribution. At times, yes, he drove even us mad. We would lose the plot with him as well.
But overall, his numbers for Rangers cannot be doubted.
Where Things Stand Now
The fact is that Chermiti is nowhere near that level yet. He is young. That can change.
But for now, Dessers is quite clearly the better contributor for this club.
Rohl will demand more consistency. And until that happens, the Youssef Chermiti Cyriel Dessers comparison simply does not stand up.