Dessers wants more recognition for his achievements

With an assist from Václav Černý, Cyriel Dessers, the former striker for NAC Breda, FC Utrecht, Heracles Almelo, and Feyenoord, made a crucial impact by scoring the 1-1 equalizer deep into injury time.

This goal was more than just a point-saver for Rangers FC in their Champions League qualifying match against Dinamo Kiev it was a continuation of Dessers' impressive form from the end of last season. In his final seven matches of the previous campaign, Dessers managed to score five goals and provide one assist, showcasing his ability to deliver in critical moments.

Despite his contributions, Dessers has expressed that he sometimes feels undervalued. In an interview with BBC Scotland, he candidly shared his thoughts on the recognition or lack thereof that he receives. "It would be nice to get more recognition," Dessers admitted. "There will always be reactions from the media and a small part of the fanbase. Fortunately, I also feel a lot of love from a larger portion of the fans, and I also get appreciation from people within the club."

His comments highlight the often-overlooked pressure that professional athletes face, particularly those who play pivotal roles in their teams but don't always get the spotlight. For Dessers, the lack of widespread recognition doesn't seem to affect his focus on the pitch. When asked if his injury-time goal against Dinamo Kiev felt like a relief, especially after a preseason where he hadn’t found the back of the net, Dessers responded with a calm indifference. "I don’t need to justify myself. I don’t need to answer to anyone; I just do my job for the team, for the manager, and for myself. That’s all that matters."

Dessers' professionalism and dedication to his craft have not gone unnoticed by those who work closely with him. Rangers FC coach Philippe Clement was quick to defend his player and praised his evolution. "Maybe people have a certain perception of him, but I know that no defender wants to play against him," Clement said. "If you compare him to seven months ago, he's doing much more for the team now. He's only growing. Cyriel kept pushing to score the goal. That's what we want."

Clement’s comments underscore the importance of Dessers to the team's strategy. The coach’s support also suggests that Dessers’ contributions are highly valued within the club, even if external recognition is slower to come. For Clement, Dessers is a player who not only scores goals but also contributes significantly to the team’s overall play. This holistic view of his role is crucial, especially in high-stakes matches where every player’s effort can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Over his time with Rangers FC, Dessers has proven his worth. In total, he has scored 23 goals and provided 7 assists in 56 appearances for the club. These numbers reflect a player who is consistently involved in the team's offensive efforts, whether by finishing chances himself or setting up his teammates. Dessers’ ability to step up in crucial moments, like his equalizer against Dinamo Kiev, further cements his status as a key player for Rangers.

As Rangers FC continues to compete on multiple fronts, Dessers' role will undoubtedly remain vital. His combination of skill, experience, and determination makes him a formidable presence in the team’s attack. While he may desire more recognition, Dessers seems content to let his performances on the field speak for themselves. As long as he continues to deliver when it matters most, it’s likely that the recognition he seeks will follow, both from the media and the broader football community.