Athletic Bilbao coach, Ernesto Valverde has admitted that his side will pay special attention to Cyriel Dessers when they face Rangers in the first-leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.
Despite drawing mixed reviews throughout the season, Dessers’ tireless work rate and ability to deliver in crucial moments have made him indispensable.
He has also emerged as Rangers’ key man in Europe this season.
The Nigerian striker played a pivotal role in their progression past Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the previous round.
Rangers are aiming to take a strong first-leg lead when they welcome Bilbao to Ibrox.
On paper, both sides are evenly matched, and Valverde knows the game could be decided by the finest of margins.
“They’ve got a good team. They move well across the pitch, very fast,” Valverde said, as quoted by Rangers Review.
“A lot of modes of play. Hit us on counter attacks. Players like Dessers and Cerny, who can play well.
“They can compete with any team, and it is only three years since they reached the final. A big challenge playing in a stadium like this in the quarter-final.”
Dessers has been in excellent form in 2024, emerging alongside Cerny as one of Rangers’ most reliable attacking options.
So far this season, the Nigerian forward has notched 23 goals and 7 assists across all competitions.
He is expected to lead the line once again, with Rangers hoping to make their home advantage count before traveling to Estadio San Mames for the return leg.
While Dessers brings the attacking firepower, compatriot Leon Balogun will anchor the defence in the absence of suspended centre-back John Souttar.
Also speaking ahead of the match, Balogun charged his Rangers teammates to give their all in the fight to secure a place in the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League.
“We were all fairly clear about the fact we are now in a quarter-final,” Balogun was quoted by the club’s official website.
“It is separate from what’s happening domestically, and we need to focus on that. There is a massive opportunity for the players and the club.
“It’s a very special game and a quarter-final of the Europa League, so that in itself makes it massive already.”
