Feyenoord super-sub Dessers draws comparison with Belgium striker Mertens

Published: November 09, 2021

Cyriel Dessers has drawn comparisons with Napoli striker Dries Mertens, who is often used as an impact substitute while on international duty with Belgium.

The Nigeria international switched to Feyenoord Rotterdam on a season-long loan in the summer transfer window and has exceeded expectations despite his limited game time at the Dutch giants.

With four goals and one assist in seven Eredivisie matches this term, Dessers is in a purple patch of goalscoring form and is determined to force his way into the starting lineup.

Dessers scored in the 92nd minute to seal a 1-0 win for Feyenoord against AZ Alkmaar in the last round of matches and netted another injury time winner in the derby against Sparta Rotterdam at the end of October.

"He (Mertens) was a good substitute, while others had more trouble with that," Sporza journalist Peter Vandenbempt said in the podcast Tribune van Sporza via Voerbalzone.

"Mertens always said that he can also start a match well, something he eventually evolved into. It remains to be seen how that will work with Dessers.

"In any case, I wholeheartedly wish him well, after everything he went through last year."

Dessers played second fiddle to Paul Onuachu in his first season at Racing Genk and dropped further down the pecking order of strikers following the club's capture of Ike Ugbo from Chelsea in August.

Igho Kingsley

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com