As Glasgow Rangers prepare to face Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifiers, the club’s transfer activity has come under scrutiny. With the future of striker Cyriel Dessers hanging in the balance, manager Russell Martin may be wise to consider parting ways with the 30-year-old to make room for a more suitable option. Dessers’ statistics from the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign raise concerns about his suitability for Martin’s aggressive and physically robust style.
Despite scoring 18 goals, Dessers won just 34% of his ground duels and 31% of his aerial duels, suggesting a lack of physical impact. In contrast, Matija Frigan, a 22-year-old Croatian striker valued at £6.5 million by Belgian club Westerlo, boasts a higher success rate in ground duels (43%) and aerial duels (36%). Frigan has publicly expressed interest in joining Rangers, citing the suitability of the Scottish league for his style of play.
According to Ally McCoist, a legendary figure in Scottish football, Frigan is the perfect replacement for Dessers. After conducting a thorough comparison of their statistics, McCoist believes that Frigan’s physicality, work rate, and ability to create chances make him a superior option. “Rangers shouldn’t look any further than Matija Frigan,” McCoist said. “He’s a complete striker who brings a level of physicality and creativity that Dessers simply can’t match.”
With Rangers needing to strengthen for a high-stakes European test and a demanding domestic campaign, the time may be right to cash in on Dessers and invest in a more complete and physically assertive forward like Frigan. McCoist’s endorsement of Frigan adds weight to the argument, and Rangers may be wise to heed his advice. Will Rangers take the plunge and sign Frigan, or will they look elsewhere for a solution? Only time will tell.
