Rangers need a settled, experienced core of players to truly compete for league titles and major trophies, according to former striker Cyriel Dessers. The Nigerian forward, who spent two seasons at Ibrox before his £3.5 million move to Panathinaikos last September, didn't mince words when reflecting on his time in Glasgow. In a candid interview, he revealed the key ingredient that's been missing from the club's recent rebuild.
Dessers highlighted the stark contrast between his two seasons at Rangers. During his first campaign, he walked into a dressing room anchored by seasoned leaders like Connor Goldson, James Tavernier, Borna Barisic, and John Lundstram. He described how natural, football-focused conversations among this group built a powerful collective spirit. But by his second season, that foundation had shifted. The experienced core had dissolved, and with it, the daily accountability that kept everyone sharp.
"For a team like Rangers to compete for league titles and trophies, having an experienced core is essential," Dessers explained. "You see many clubs with a business model of buying young players, developing them, and selling them for profit. That can work, but at Rangers, it has to be balanced with a core of experience—guys who understand the league, who've been through the highs and lows, and who can guide the younger talent."
The striker emphasized the unique pressure at Rangers, where winning is everything. "If you don't win, people don't care about development or transfer fees. It's all about winning on Saturday and Sunday. That's the number one priority at Rangers, and I love that mentality. But it only works if you have a core of players who understand that pressure and can transfer it to the group—not just in training by setting high standards, but on match days, reminding everyone, 'Today, we can't drop anything.'"
These insights come at a crucial time for Rangers fans, who are watching the club's latest rebuild take shape. While developing young talent is a smart strategy, Dessers' words serve as a reminder that without a stable, experienced spine, even the most promising squad can fall short when it matters most.