Few transfers in recent Rangers history have generated as much debate as the £8 million arrival of Youssef Chermiti. When the Portuguese striker signed for Rangers F.C. in the summer, eyebrows were raised immediately. He had not scored a goal in two years prior to the move, and many supporters questioned both the fee and the recruitment strategy behind it.
Criticism quickly followed, with former sporting director Kevin Thelwell coming under scrutiny for the deal. Early performances from Chermiti did little to silence the doubters. His touch appeared inconsistent, his link-up play unconvincing, and goals were in short supply. For a striker arriving with such a hefty price tag, patience among fans wore thin.
Yet football seasons are defined by key moments — and Chermiti has chosen the biggest stages to rewrite his narrative.
Derby redemption at Celtic Park
The turning point came in the New Year derby against fierce rivals Celtic F.C.. With pressure mounting and expectations high, Chermiti delivered a performance that few predicted. His two goals in a commanding 3-1 victory at Celtic Park not only stunned the home support but also reignited Rangers’ title challenge.
That result had significant consequences. It led to the departure of Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy and propelled Rangers above their city rivals in the Scottish Premiership table for the first time that season. For Chermiti, it was validation — proof that he could deliver when it mattered most.
However, the redemption arc did not stop there.
A hat-trick when it mattered most
Sunday brought another defining moment. Rangers faced league leaders Heart of Midlothian F.C. in what was widely regarded as their most important fixture of the campaign. Trailing Hearts by five points before kickoff, defeat would have severely dented their title aspirations.
Instead, Chermiti rose to the occasion. The 21-year-old striker produced the first hat-trick of his professional career, inspiring a dramatic 4-2 victory that reignited belief at Ibrox. With the weight of expectation on his shoulders, he delivered clinical finishing and decisive movement in the box.
Remarkably, five of his seven league goals this season have come in just two matches — both against major rivals and both in high-pressure scenarios. While his overall tally may not dazzle statistically, the timing and importance of those strikes have amplified their value beyond raw numbers.
Numbers versus narrative
From an analytical perspective, Chermiti’s season presents an intriguing contrast. His expected goals (xG) figure of 5.21 suggests he is slightly outperforming projections, despite some high-profile misses earlier in the campaign. However, in broader metrics, he ranks modestly among league strikers — 15th in xG and 26th for touches in the opposition penalty area, with just 60 across the season.
There was also a prolonged barren spell. In 15 league appearances — 10 of them starts — he endured a lengthy goal drought. Prior to the victory over Hearts, he had failed to score in six consecutive games. Critics seized upon these numbers as evidence that the investment had not been justified.
Pundit Michael Stewart voiced reservations even after the hat-trick, pointing out inconsistencies in Chermiti’s all-round game and unpredictability in his first touch. While praising the achievement, Stewart suggested improvements were still required in his broader contributions.
The Rohl factor
The most significant backing, however, has come from Rangers manager Danny Rohl. Since taking charge, Rohl has consistently expressed belief in his striker, emphasizing confidence and trust over criticism.
When asked about Chermiti earlier in the week, Rohl spoke about nurturing belief and understanding the psychological challenges faced by a young forward under scrutiny. He highlighted the striker’s desire to improve and his commitment to the collective cause.
That faith has been repaid handsomely.
Rohl’s appointment marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation at Ibrox. On his first weekend in charge, Rangers climbed from eighth to fifth with a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock F.C., a match that featured Chermiti’s maiden goal for the club. At that point, Rangers were 13 points adrift of Hearts.
Fast forward to the present, and with 11 games remaining, the gap stands at just two points behind Derek McInnes’ side. Few supporters would have anticipated such a dramatic turnaround.
A quiet resurgence
Under Rohl’s stewardship, Rangers have collected 14 wins, four draws, and just one defeat in 19 league matches — that solitary loss coming away at Tynecastle in December. The consistency has re-energized the title race and restored belief among fans who had all but written off their chances earlier in the season.
Former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield praised the manager’s influence, noting that while performances may not always have been aesthetically pleasing, the German coach has quietly reignited the squad’s confidence and cohesion.
Even Scotland national team manager Steve Clarke has acknowledged Rohl’s impact. Clarke highlighted the manager’s adaptability, tactical clarity, and willingness to rotate his squad — traits that have fostered trust among players and supporters alike.
Winning breeds confidence, and confidence fuels momentum. That virtuous cycle has been evident in Rangers’ resurgence.
The road ahead
For Chermiti, the challenge now is consistency. While heroics in marquee fixtures have reshaped perceptions, sustaining form over the remaining matches will determine whether his redemption story becomes a full-season triumph.
For Rangers, the equation is simple but demanding. Maintain momentum, manage pressure, and capitalize on the belief restored by recent performances. With the title race finely poised, every match carries significance.
What once appeared to be a costly gamble now looks like inspired patience. Chermiti’s journey from scapegoat to savior encapsulates the unpredictability of football — where reputations can shift dramatically in the space of 90 minutes.
As the season enters its decisive phase, Rangers find themselves firmly back in contention, propelled by a manager who has instilled belief and a striker who has chosen the grandest stages to silence his critics.
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