What numbers say about Chermiti's statement display

1 week ago 2

"This is what I work for, this is what everyone works for," were the words of Youssef Chermiti after his match-winning Old Firm derby display.

"If you want to be a big player, you have to play for the big clubs and [deal with] big pressure," he added on Sky Sports.

The 21-year-old has often been a source of frustration for the Rangers support and a source of comedy for opposing fans during a testing introduction to his time in Scotland - but has he now ignited his Ibrox career?

Improved showings in recent starts against Motherwell and St Mirren meant he was included in Saturday's XI at Celtic Park, even with Bojan Miovski returning to the squad.

However, in a disjointed and ragged first half for Rangers, Chermiti cut an isolated figure, completing just three passes in 45 minutes as Celtic overwhelmed Danny Rohl's men.

By the full-time whistle, though, the forward had scored twice while winning more duels and completing more dribbles than any other player on the pitch.

He showed a clinical side that many have felt he has lacked, scoring with his only efforts in a hostile environment.

His first goal, which levelled the game, was a poacher's finish, getting himself between the posts to convert Nico Raskin's ball across goal before calamitous Celtic defending allowed him to drive forward and bury a second just nine minutes later.

"Paying back a chunk of that transfer fee," former Rangers winger and coach Neil McCann said on Sky Sports as Chermiti wheeled away to celebrate in front of a delirious pocket of away fans.

Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd added: "There have been questions asked of him because of his fee, rightly so, I've been one of them asking the questions.

"But, tell you what, to come to Celtic Park and get two goals..."

Hailing his performance post-match, Rangers boss Rohl said of Chermiti: "He worked for the group, he's smart. He's also very aggressive with his body.

"He can keep the ball, he can carry the ball. He was outstanding in one-against-one situations. But, especially as a group in the second half, we were connected, we were organised.

"It will give him more and more belief. I think I saw from the beginning something on him, but it was more ups and downs, and now it's about consistency."

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