Nigerian forward Cyriel Dessers delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a sensational hat-trick and providing an assist as Rangers cruised past Fraserburgh 5-0 to secure their place in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup. This standout display marked a triumphant return to the starting lineup for Dessers, who had not started a game for Philippe Clement’s side since late November.

Despite being behind Hamza Igiamane and Danilo in the pecking order, Dessers seized his opportunity to remind fans and management of his quality. He opened the scoring in the 27th minute, doubled his tally in the 57th minute, and capped off his remarkable outing with a stoppage-time goal to complete his hat-trick. Between his goals, he also showcased his playmaking ability by assisting Rangers’ fourth goal.

With this commanding performance, Dessers has now tallied 15 goals and four assists for the Light Blues this season, underlining his value to the squad even in a challenging campaign.

Opinion: Dessers’ Redemption Arc is Just Beginning

Cyriel Dessers’ performance against Fraserburgh wasn’t just about the goals; it was a statement—a bold reminder of the striker’s potential and hunger. Often finding himself overshadowed by the likes of Igiamane and Danilo, Dessers took the stage to showcase his versatility as a scorer and creator. His combination of clinical finishing and intelligent playmaking is precisely what Rangers need as they aim for silverware.

While critics might argue that the opposition wasn’t the strongest, such performances are pivotal in building confidence and regaining a manager’s trust. For a player who has been largely relegated to the sidelines, stepping up in such emphatic fashion could be a turning point in his season.

Dessers' journey at Rangers mirrors the resilience of a player unwilling to fade into the background. For fans, this hat-trick offers a tantalizing glimpse of what he could contribute when given regular opportunities. It also puts Clement in a delightful dilemma—can Rangers afford to overlook a striker this determined?

If this game is anything to go by, Dessers is not just knocking on the door of regular inclusion; he’s kicking it down. With 15 goals to his name this season, his redemption arc might only just be gathering steam. For Rangers, having a player of Dessers' caliber firing on all cylinders could make all the difference in their pursuit of glory.