A previously unfancied striker is playing a crucial role in Rangers' revival - and even earning comparisons with Germany legend Thomas Muller. Ryan Naderi pounced for a first-half double against Kilmarnock as Derek McInnes' side overcame the disruption of the extended international break to earn a sixth straight league win and rise to the top of the Scottish Premiership. That outcome enhanced a turnaround in fortunes for Rangers after the disappointment of their European exit, having also taken just a point from their first two Premiership games.
They now lie a point ahead of Celtic, who visit Motherwell on Sunday under pressure to regain their place at the top. Much of the focus as centred on an excellent defensive record with just one league goal conceded in their previous five Premiership games - that record blemished by Nicky Clesenco's late Kilmarnock consolation. However, at the top end of the pitch, Naderi is defying those who doubted his ability to make a consistent impact.
Former Rangers forward Peter Lovenkrands has been impressed by what he's seen from the German-born Czech Republic striker. "Naderi at times does things where you're like 'How did he do that?'" Lovenkrands said on BBC Sportsound. "He reminds me a lot of Thomas Muller - he's not nice on the eye at times, but he creates stuff because he's so unorthodox." Rangers overwhelm Kilmarnock to take top spot What could Rangers' 2012 case tell us about Man City's uncertain future?
Naderi now has three goals in his past two league games, having scored the winner in Rangers' 1-0 league win away to Celtic before the break. That alone elevated his status among an initially sceptical support who had watched the 23-year-old struggle to make an impact after singing from German third-tier side Hansa Rostock in February. Just one league goal - and two in a League Cup trouncing of Queen's Park - followed last season, with observers unconvinced he had the attributes to be a starting striker at the club.
Such assessments seem to have dissipated as he has surged to the fore in the absence of injured team-mates Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti. Six goals and three assists, often key interventions, have elevated his status as he adds end product to his physical prowess. A crucial assist in the late win over St Mirren when Bojan Miovski scored a vital winner was notable.
Naderi has netted winners against Motherwell and Celtic and his two goals against Kilmarnock proved decisive. His manager agrees Naderi, who made his Czech Republic debut last week, has stepped up to the plate for Rangers at a good time. "Yes, and fair play to him," McInnes said.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
