Athletic Bilbao manager, Ernesto Valverde has identified Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers as a key threat ahead of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final second-leg clash on Thursday.
The two sides played out a goalless draw in the first leg at Ibrox last week, setting the stage for a decisive encounter in Bilbao.
With the tie finely balanced, Valverde has urged his players to remain alert to the dangers posed by the in-form Nigerian forward.
“Rangers have a good formation, players who play well in the space,” the former Barcelona coach told a press conference,” the coach said during his pre-match press conference. “Dessers is constantly running into the space, being a reference player, a beacon for his team. He’s a dangerous player.”
Dessers (3 goals and 2 two assists) has featured 11 times in the competition.
He has delivered in high-stakes matches, finding the net against Manchester United at Old Trafford and scoring against both Real Betis and Fenerbahçe in their respective away fixtures.
Valverde also praised Rangers’ wing play and tactical adaptability, highlighting their use of players like James Tavernier in both defensive and advanced roles.
“Their players from the outside are very well positioned, whether they’re playing James Tavernier in defence or in the midfield.”
Meanwhile, Rangers interim coach Barry Ferguson is monitoring the fitness of veteran Nigerian defender Leon Balogun, who was instrumental in the first leg but missed the weekend’s 2-2 draw against Aberdeen.
“If somebody is touch and go, I’m not going to risk them because I need people who can go to war,” Ferguson said, underlining the physical and mental demands of Thursday’s showdown.
With the tie delicately poised, all eyes will be on Dessers and whether he can once again deliver on the European stage.
