'Maybe people have a perception of him' - Rangers coach insists no defender likes to play against Dessers 

Rangers coach Philippe Clement singled out Cyriel Dessers for special praise shortly after his side earned a dramatic 1-1 draw against Ukrainian Premier League team Dynamo Kyiv in a UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, first leg tie at Arena Lublin on Tuesday night. 

The Light Blues have Dessers to thank for earning a share of the spoils as the Nigeria international netted a stoppage time equalizer that gives the Scottish Premiership club hope heading into the second leg in Glasgow. 

Dessers' first season at Rangers was a mixed bag as he was often maligned by the fans for failing to convert some of his chances. 

But his stats speak for themselves as he finished with impressive numbers, registering  31 goal involvements (22 goals, 9 assists) from 54 appearances over the course of the 2023-2024 campaign. 

With almost the last kick of the game, Dessers got  across his man and poked home from close range to salvage a draw for the Light Blues.

Clement has praised the Super Eagles striker for his work ethic and highlighted that the number 9 is a defender's nightmare.

In quotes relayed by The BBC, Clement stated: "If you compare him to seven months ago, he does much more for the team.

"Maybe people have a perception of him, but I know that no defenders like to play against him. He's only growing. That's what we want."

The winner of the Rangers versus Dynamo Kyiv tie will meet either Salzburg or Twente in the playoff round. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: rangers.co.uk

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