Rangers striker Ryan Naderi is experiencing a significant turnaround in form, becoming a crucial player for the club as they pursue trophies. His resurgence comes after an initial period of struggle following his arrival from Hansa Rostock for nearly £5 million.
Initially met with skepticism, including a comparison to Thomas Muller by manager Danny Rohl, Naderi found the net just three times in all competitions during his first season. His performances were criticized, with some labeling him an ineffective player. The departures of those who brought him to the club and the arrival of new management, alongside other signings, suggested his time at Ibrox might be limited.
However, Naderi has since established himself as a vital component of the Rangers team. His winning goal against Aberdeen last weekend marked his eighth goal in 16 appearances this season, securing Rangers' place in the Premier Sports Cup final. This improved form has coincided with the absence of key players like Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti due to injuries, providing Naderi with an opportunity he has capitalized on.
Manager Derek McInnes is credited with Naderi's turnaround. The manager's direct and fast-paced tactical approach, characterized by quick ball movement and minimal midfield faffing, suits Naderi's style. This contrasts with his previous struggles where he often drifted too deep to get involved in build-up play. Now, he is benefiting from a more direct system that focuses on turning opposition defenses around.
With continued service from midfielders like Kim Min-su and Badredine Bouanani, Naderi is expected to maintain his scoring form and could potentially reach double figures this season. A failure to do so would be seen as a significant disappointment given his current impact.
Rangers face St. Mirren next, a fixture where Naderi will have another chance to add to his goal tally. The team is aiming to close the gap on league leaders Celtic, who recently suffered a defeat. However, Rangers have dropped points in recent away matches, with draws against Dundee and Hearts, underscoring the need to secure victories as the title race intensifies.
The upcoming match against St. Mirren presents a challenge, as the Paisley side has shown they can be difficult to stop when playing well, despite a recent dip in form. For Rangers, keeping Naderi quiet will be crucial to their own success, a statement that highlights his newfound importance to the team.