Sunday’s result may have been a setback of sorts, but there is still reason for optimism at Ibrox, particularly when it comes to Glasgow Rangers’ January signings.
While Toul Romans and Tochi Chukwani have settled in well, Danny Rohr’s side are still waiting for the true blossoming of both Andreas Skov Olsen and Ryan Naderi, the latter of whom has been plagued by injuries since arriving on deadline day.
Naderi, who came on as a fit and starting XI, is still waiting for his real moment in Glasgow, but so far his only two goals have come against Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup.
The 22-year-old, who was signed for around £4.7m, has attracted attention for his solitary start in the Premiership so far against Hearts, but can he improve further when Celtic visit on Sunday?
Why Naderi could be the difference for Rangers against Celtic
Rohr’s side may not be firing on all cylinders, having drawn two of their last three games, but the Gers should be licking their lips at a creaky Celtic defence, although they still managed to create seven ‘big chances’ against Livingston.
In fact, the latest result reveals why Naderi was able to enjoy himself on Sunday afternoon, with the visitors also hampered by his red card against Hibernian and the loss of Auston Trusty, who received a three-match suspension.
Prior to the 2-1 loss, Martin O’Neill’s side were eliminated in the Europa League play-off first leg against Stuttgart, with Dennis Unduff providing two assists while playing as second striker, giving Rangers’ Thomas Muller an encouragement to see what he can do in that role this time around.
“As you can see in training, I said to Ryan that he’s a bit like Thomas Muller, sometimes I don’t know how, but he’s doing the right thing.” Roll on Naderi.
Celtic were also unable to contain their front two in the come-from-behind win over Kilmarnock, with Tyrese John-Jules and Joe Hugill both scoring in the first half, and Naderi and Youssef Cermiti once again showing the problems that both Naderi and Youssef Cermiti can cause in derbies.
Rangers vs Celtic predicted lineup |
|---|
GK – Butland |
RB – Tavernier |
CB – Sawtar |
CB – Fernandes |
LB – Romance |
CM – Ruskin |
CM – Chukwani |
RM – Gassama |
LM – Moore |
CF – Naderi |
ST – Celmiti |
The pair were relentless against Hearts, combining for Celmiti’s opener, and Rohr hopes they can combine from the start this time around, fitness permitting.
Early signs are certainly promising, but Naderi still has a ways to go to prove he’s worthy of that notable price tag.
Rangers gave gold to a star worth more than Naderi.
The merits of Rangers’ £4.7m investment are yet to be fully determined and with Naderi’s previous job in Germany’s third tier, he is certainly still an unknown quantity.
That is confirmed by his current market value, which according to Transfermarkt is actually worth just 1.2 million euros (approximately 100 million yen), making him the sixth lowest value in the current Rangers squad.
However, with comparisons being made to Newcastle United’s £69m sensation Nick Woltemade, Naderi could well secure a sizeable return for the club in the future, and team-mate Dujon Sterling could do just that if he stays injury-free in the future.
Like Naderi, who started on the bench due to a minor injury, Sterling’s fitness has declined significantly ahead of Sunday’s game against Livi, with the full-back confirmed to be sidelined for the next few weeks.
His repeated sideline absences haven’t worked in his favor, but Rolle’s decision to start the 26-year-old ahead of James Tavanier against Hearts speaks to his importance to this team, and it’s perhaps no surprise that the backline once again deflated in his absence at the weekend.
Sterling, signed on a free transfer from Chelsea, is the type of player Rangers could make “big money for if they develop him properly” in the opinion of journalist Johnny MacFarlane, and has shown great versatility and adaptability in recent seasons.
Although he may not have Tavernier’s attacking power as a right-back, Sterling is still a true all-rounder and was hailed as a “special guy” by Rohr late last year.
His importance is reflected in his current value, with Transfermarkt pegging his worth at €2.5 million (approximately JPY 2.5 million), a solid valuation considering he was acquired for free.
Of course, as already mentioned, a player who has only made eight appearances in the Premiership this season will need to feature more regularly, but Sterling, who has made a total of 80 appearances for the club, remains a shrewd signing.
His absence may be felt again against Ibrox on Sunday afternoon, but the hope is that Naderi and co can get the job done regardless.
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