Cyriel Dessers has opened up about the realities of being a striker under the spotlight, with honest reflections that reveal why he's playing at Rangers rather than a higher-tier club.
His recent statement shows the fine line that separates elite strikers from those constantly critiqued.
Since joining Rangers, Dessers has faced scrutiny, with critics quick to question his finishing ability.
Despite a solid record of 23 goals and 9 assists across 54 appearances, the Super Eagles forward has found himself targeted for missing chances in key moments.
With Rangers' fans expecting a clinical finisher, some have even suggested the club needs a new striker to compete at a higher level.
Cyriel Dessers defends his record at Rangers
This season, Dessers has already delivered 9 goals and 3 assists in 19 appearances. But even with these contributions, criticism has persisted.
After Rangers’ hard-fought 1-1 draw against Olympiacos—where he scored a decisive goal—the Nigeria international addressed his critics head-on, offering insight into the relentless expectations faced by strikers.
For Dessers, every striker misses chances—it’s part of the job.
In his view, the criticism he faces is a byproduct of the high standards set for strikers, even if many fans overlook the difficulty of converting every opportunity.
Dessers speaking in a video shared by Rangers Review, said, “I was watching the Champions League this week, and I see unbelievable strikers miss chances. So who am I as Cyriel Dessers not to miss chances?
“Obviously, you’re going to miss more than you score; that’s the life of a striker. You know that there will always be a perception about that.
“If I could score three chances every game, I would probably not be at Rangers.”
