A high-profile signing worth several million, Youssef Chermiti has faced significant scrutiny and criticism. However, he has risen to the occasion during the two most crucial matches of Rangers’ season, proving to be the team’s savior.
Acquired for approximately £8m in the summer, Chermiti had gone two years without a goal, a fact that attracted skepticism regarding the transfer made under former sporting director Kevin Thelwell. His initial lackluster performances only heightened doubts about his capabilities.
Nevertheless, during the New Year’s derby against Celtic, he shone brightly, scoring twice to lead Rangers to a 3-1 victory at Celtic Park. This win not only resulted in the sacking of Wilfried Nancy but also lifted Danny Rohl’s side above Celtic in the Scottish Premiership standings for the first time this season.
On Sunday, Chermiti featured in a pivotal match against league leaders Hearts, with Rangers needing a win to close a five-point gap.
With immense pressure on his shoulders, the Portuguese striker delivered, netting the first hat-trick of his career and shifting momentum back in Rangers’ favor for the title race.
Rohl’s Support Pays Off
Interestingly, despite his remarkable contributions in key matches, Chermiti has scored only seven league goals this season, with five of those coming in just two games. His performance is notable, as he is exceeding his expected goals (xG) tally of 5.21, even amidst some glaring misses.
The 21-year-old currently ranks 15th among league strikers in terms of xG, and his 60 touches in the opposition box place him 26th overall. His struggle for consistency is evident, with 10 of his 15 league appearances resulting in no goals, including a six-match streak without scoring prior to the 4-2 victory over Hearts.
Yet, his impact in high-stakes games cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, pundit Michael Stewart remains skeptical. “He netted a hat-trick today, which is commendable, but his overall game lacks polish and his touch can be erratic,” Stewart remarked on Sportscene.
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The opinion that should matter most is that of head coach Danny Rohl, who has shown strong support for Chermiti. “Building belief and trust in him is crucial,” Rohl said earlier this week. “For Youssef, it’s not just about the fans’ reactions; it’s about his own feelings. He is driven to score and contribute to the team’s success. I wish he would take that extra touch and aim for the corner, as I truly believe good things are coming for him.” Rohl acknowledged Chermiti’s game-changing performance against Celtic and expressed confidence in his abilities.
Rohl’s belief in Chermiti seems well-founded, as his strategies have revitalized Rangers’ form. In his initial weekend as head coach, Rangers climbed from eighth to fifth place with a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock, featuring Chermiti’s first goal for the club after they had previously trailed Hearts by 13 points.
Now, as the season nears its conclusion with 11 matches remaining, Rangers find themselves just two points behind the leaders, surprising many who had already essentially conceded the league title. Under Rohl’s stewardship, Rangers have achieved 14 wins, four draws, and only one defeat in 19 league matches, which came against Hearts at Tynecastle Park back in December.
“It hasn’t been easy for Rangers this season,” former midfield player Scott Arfield remarked on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound. “Danny Rohl has come in and quietly reignited this team’s spirit.” The significance of Rohl’s influence is evident, capturing the attention of Scotland’s national team manager, Steve Clarke.
“He’s discovered a playing style that suits the squad he’s working with,” Clarke noted on Sky Sports. “He isn’t afraid to make changes, demonstrating his trust in his players. Winning matches fosters confidence, and a new manager who starts off with victories quickly earns the players’ and fans’ backing. Rangers are certainly on the rise, and their recent form has been impressive.”
[BBC]