"A multi-million pound signing, openly derided and much-maligned. Yet, in the two biggest games of Rangers' season, he's been the hero. Youssef Chermiti cost the Ibrox club a fee of around 8m in the summer, having not scored a goal in two years. His name was attached to criticism of former sporting director Kevin Thelwell, with his unconvincing early performances only adding fuel to the fire of his doubters. Yet, against Celtic in the new year's derby, he came good."
"On Sunday, he started in the biggest game of the season so far against league leaders Hearts. Trailing by five points, a win was a must. Thanks to Chermiti, that's what they got. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, the Portuguese striker scored a first ever career hat-trick and heaved a chunk of momentum back behind Rangers in the title charge."
Youssef Chermiti arrived at Rangers for around £8m after a two-year goal drought and faced public criticism for unconvincing early performances. He scored two goals to win the New Year derby at Celtic Park and later produced his first career hat-trick to secure a vital win over Hearts, contributing five of his seven league goals across those two matches. Chermiti has an xG of 5.21 but has outscored it, ranks 15th among strikers by xG and 26th for opposition-box touches, and endured long goalless spells. Michael Stewart criticised his all-round game and unpredictable touch despite his big-game impact.
Read at www.bbc.com
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