BBC pundit says Youssef Chermiti was excellent as special Rangers design spotted v Ludogorets

Youssef Chermiti took some surprise praise in Rangers’ 1-0 win over Ludogorets.

Chermiti has been in good form for Rangers in recent weeks, and he was once again involved in a positive manner for Gers on Thursday.

Rangers were away from Scottish Premiership action once more on Thursday night, following the Gers’ 2-0 win over Aberdeen on 11 January.

Attention then turned to Scottish Cup action, as Rangers thrashed Annan 5-0 in the fourth round tie at Ibrox on 16 January.

That particular Friday was made even better when Rangers announced the signing of Andreas Skov Olsen from Wolfsburg, but he played no part against Ludogorets on Thursday night.

Andy Halliday questions Rangers opener – but not Youssef Chermiti impact

On an evening where a weather warning was in place at Ibrox, Rangers were in Europa League action against Ludogorets.

It was a game that was largely dubbed as a write-off by many Gers supporters, given that Danny Rohl’s side knew they wouldn’t be able to qualify for a play-off spot following results in earlier games.

As such, it was largely expected that Rohl would rotate his side fairly heavily, but he still fielded a largely strong starting XI.

Max Aarons came in for James Tavernier, but that was about the only notable selection decision.

Meanwhile, Rangers’ three new signings, Tochi Chukwuani, Tuur Rommens and Skov Olsen couldn’t play due to UEFA registration rules.

It was Diomande who opened the scoring for Rangers, turning in from a short corner routine just after the half-hour mark, and that proved to be the difference, as Rohl’s men ran out 1-0 winners.

Jayden Meghoma swung the cross into the box, and it was Chermiti who was able to take some clever and important touches to prevent Ludogorets from clearing before it found its way to Diomande.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound’s live commentary of the game, former Rangers man Andy Halliday wasn’t convinced it was a great set-piece routine, but loved Chermiti’s role in the goal.

“We’ve talked about their threat from set-pieces, but I don’t know if this one is by design,” Halliday said.

“It gets whipped in by Meghoma, and it’s Chermiti who does excellently to keep it alive.”

• Read more: Rangers face Kyle Glasgow fight as Ibrox contract terms offered

Chermiti is starting to show he can lead Rangers line long-term

Like most of Rangers’ players under previous head coach, Russell Martin, Chermiti was struggling to put in impactful performances.

That’s not solely down to Martin, though, as it can take time for any new signing to bed in and adjust to a new club, country and league, especially for a 21-year-old.

However, the Portuguese striker is starting to show the top-class potential he’s always been known to have from his time with Sporting and Everton, respectively.

Chermiti is by no means the finished article, but patience could really be a virtue here, and Rohl should continue placing his faith in him even if a new centre-forward arrives this winter.

Stay up to date this winter with our Rangers transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Ibrox, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.

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