Steven Naismith reckons Philippe Clement’s reason for chopping and changing his strikers in recent weeks at Rangers is because he is still searching for one man who can be his team’s focal point.
Nigeria international Cyriel Dessers has netted 10 goals in 20 matches in all competitions so far this season, but has been dropped in favour of Hamza Igamane in the last two matches. Moroccan youngster Igamane netted twice in Gers 4-1 win against Nice in the Europa League on Thursday but was unable to build on that display in Sunday’s 1-0 away victory against St Johnstone that Clement‘s team needed an own goal from Saints midfielder Jason Holt to get the three points.
Former Ajax and Feyenoord forward Danilo has also returned to fitness in recent weeks, giving Clement further food for thought at the top end of the pitch. And ex Ibrox goal hero Naismith believes the Belgian still isn’t quite sure on who his best striker is.
Speaking on Sportscene, he said: “That’s probably the biggest frustration for the manager. He’s got three forwards who are all slightly different in their type of profile as a player. For any Rangers forward it is about the consistency. You see it through the years, strikers who consistently score goals or are involved in goals.
“Dessers has done that the most but has took a bit of criticism recently. He’s searching for that one guy who is going to stand up and consistently hit the net, which eases everything for a Rangers performance.”
Former Aberdeen and Scotland defender Michael Devlin thinks that a new forward player will be high on Clement’s wishlist in January but does believe that Igamane has the potential to become a regular goalscorer.
Devlin added: “Potentially. I think when you look at Igamane’s game. a lot of his good work is done outside the box. He is a strong runner in the channels.
“I think to get the level and numbers of goals that Rangers require, he needs to focus on being on where it matters between the goalposts. If he can add that to his game he can bring that but I’m sure they will look to strengthen in that position.”
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