CYRIEL DESSERS believes he can offer more than just goals to Michael Beale’s side as the striker looks to hit the ground running in Scotland.
The Nigerian international, who signed last week from US Cremonese on a four-year-deal, said it was an ‘easy choice’ to join Rangers having sat down with the manager to discuss his vision for both on and off the pitch.
The 28-year-old spoke to the media earlier today from the squad’s pre-season training base in Germany. When asked about targets for the upcoming season, he said: “I don't really have a target regarding goals, I have a target regarding team achievements but of course like I said I think I can offer more than goals.
“I can be important off the ball, in pressing the other team, recovering balls high up the pitch and then relaunching a counter-attack. I can play with my back to the goal, play short combinations and I can go deep. I think I am best when I am facing the goal so I think those are the various attributes that can benefit the team.
“I really like the group of players that are here, and the manager has a really good idea of what he wants on and off the pitch and it is fundamental for me and that is why I made the choice.
“I looked at the training ground, I looked at the stadium, and I looked at how the club wants to work and that is something I was looking for, so it was a pretty easy choice.
“It speaks for itself, Rangers of course is a massive club, the history, the stadium, the fans and even the city. Everything is amazing but apart from that I spoke with the manager, he spoke about what is going on now, I think there is a new wind in the club, and I wanted to be part of it.
Dessers also believes he can be an influence off the pitch as he uses his experience from playing in some of the top leagues in Europe.
He continued: “ I am at a good age right now, 28 is a perfect age where physically you are still at your top level, and you have gained some experience, so I think that is a perfect time to play for trophies and hopefully win some trophies.
“The mentality of Rangers which is present at this moment is clear and it is clear that I want to be part of that, and I think I can bring some things not only football-wise but also mentality-wise in the locker room and I hope that I can play a role as well in that.
“I have won the cup in Belgium but of course I want more, that is obviously one of the reasons why I came to Rangers. We won't get anything for free that is clear but that is a nice challenge and I want to win trophies here together with the boys.”
When asked about his time playing in Serie A, Dessers said he learned a lot while facing some of the best defenders in the world. He continued: “It made me a better player, I have been dreaming of playing in a top five league since I was a kid and to finally be there and witness it and be part of that was amazing and I learned a lot.
“When you play against some of the best defenders in the world you learn how to use your body play smarter, play faster and on top of the experience I had from Belgium and Netherlands I think that made me a more complete football player and I hope I can convert it and show it to the Scottish league as well and get firing again.”