Glasgow, September 14 (Patrika English News): Rangers’ decision to invest heavily in striker Youssef Chermiti has raised eyebrows, given his barren run of goals — none in senior club football for more than two years. Yet those who know him best insist the 20-year-old’s talent and potential make him worth the gamble.
Early Promise at Sporting
Standing at 6ft 3in, Chermiti made his name in Sporting Lisbon’s academy. Former youth coach Coelho, who guided him at under-15 and under-19 level, recalls his breakthrough vividly:
“Against Benfica, he scored a bicycle kick at just 14 years old. It wasn’t normal. From that moment, everyone knew he was special.”
Chermiti went on to finish that under-15 campaign with 12 goals in 10 matches, helping Sporting to a national championship. His strengths — pace, power, and sharp movement at the back post — set him apart in Portugal’s youth system.
Breakthrough and Hype
Promoted by then-Sporting boss Rúben Amorim (now at Manchester United), Chermiti made his senior debut in January 2023 against Benfica. A month later, he scored his first professional goal in a 1-0 victory at Rio Ave, and followed it up with another against Porto.
Even rival coach Sérgio Conceição hailed him as “a young player of great quality.” Amorim went on to trust him to lead the line in a Europa League quarter-final against Juventus — no small responsibility for an 18-year-old.
By the Numbers
Across just 839 league minutes in his debut season — the equivalent of nine full matches — Chermiti ranked highly in key attacking metrics:
-
Expected goals per 90
-
Touches in the opposition box
-
Aerial duel success rate
For a teenager, those numbers suggested a forward with the instincts and profile to grow into a top-level striker.
Why Rangers Believe
Though the goals have since dried up, Rangers see Chermiti as a long-term investment rather than an instant solution. His physical profile, movement, and experience in European competition provide a foundation to build on.
As his former coach Coelho puts it: “He’s a normal boy with great talent. When he has space behind defenders, he’s very good. In the box, his best behaviour is attacking the back post — he’s so, so good at that.”
For Rangers, the bet is simple: unlock that potential, and they may have secured a future star.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment