Rangers manager Russell Martin has heaped praise on Cyriel Dessers following the Nigerian striker’s magical Champions League display in the Gers’ commanding 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen at Ibrox on Tuesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 30-year-old was instrumental in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie, scoring once and providing an assist in what marked his first start of the campaign.
Dessers inspired a fast start for Rangers by setting up winger Djeidi Gassama for the opener, before converting from the penalty spot just before half-time to double the Light Blues’ advantage. The spot-kick was awarded after debutant Oliver Antman was fouled inside the box.
Martin highlighted the striker’s pivotal role in the comprehensive victory, praising his intelligent movement and link-up play that created opportunities for teammates.
“We scored some real quality goals tonight. Cyriel (Dessers) did a brilliant job attracting players so others could run in-behind and he took the ball in well,” Martin told the club’s official website.
“We haven’t been able to play Dessers from the start yet because he played one game against Middlesbrough and got a bit of an injury, so we’ve been managing him back to get him on the pitch. He done great tonight.”
The performance comes as a welcome boost for Dessers, who has remained at Ibrox after Greek outfit AEK Athens cooled their interest in the striker this summer.
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The former Cremonese man had been heavily linked with a move away from Glasgow, with AEK proposing an annual salary package worth €1.7m per season – nearly €1m more than his current wages at Rangers.
However, the Greek club could not reach an agreement with Rangers regarding a suitable transfer fee, with the Scottish giants rejecting a €5.2m bid. AEK subsequently completed the signing of former Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic on a free transfer, effectively ending their pursuit of Dessers.
Despite the failed move, Dessers has begun the season in commendable fashion after recovering from a pre-season injury.
His professional approach to the season has drawn praise from manager Martin, who has asked other members of the playing squad to emulate the Nigerian’s attitude.
The penalty goal against Plzen marked Dessers’ first strike of the new campaign as he continues his gradual return to full match fitness. The striker, who was Rangers’ top scorer during the 2024/25 season, now appears poised to play a crucial role in the club’s quest to reach the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.
Rangers will take a commanding three-goal advantage into next Wednesday’s reverse fixture in the Czech Republic, with Dessers expected to feature prominently as the Scottish giants look to secure their passage to the next qualifying round.
