Pierre van Hoojidonk reckons Rangers will be signing a new version of himself as they prepare to welcome striker Cyriel Dessers.
The Ibrox club seem certain to land the Nigerian international from Italian side Cremonese after a protracted transfer saga, either on loan or on a permanent deal. Dessers has spent most of his career in the Netherlands and the Belgian-born hitman has played for Feyenoord, NAC Breda, Utrecht and Heracles.
Celtic hero Pierre van Hooijdonk reckons his old side have something to worry about in Cyriel Dessers. The Nigerian international is set to join Rangers as negotiations with Cremonese near their conclusion. The 28-year-old currently plays in Italy but spent much of his career in the Netherlands with Feyenoord, NAC Breda, Utrecht and Heracles. And former Holland striker Van Hooijdonk knows him well.
Van Hooijdonk was a hero at Celtic during a two-year spell, although his departure came in acrimonious circumstances after he rejected a new deal. He scored 52 goals for Celtic in 84 appearances before eventually signing for Nottingham Forest in a £4.5 million deal in 1997. The Dutch international then went on to play for Feyenoord and NAC Breda too...just like Dessers did later. And he admits there are plenty of similarities between his playing style and career with 28-year-old Dessers.
He said: "It's a good argument that Cyriel Dessers' career is very similar to mine. He is a goal thief too, but also works extremely hard. His work ethic is excellent. I really like him. We even look a bit similar from when I was a player! If you compare our styles, neither of us has what I would call a polished style. We both look awkward in the way we play and we both rely on our physical attributes.
"And we both managed to get NAC Breda promoted before playing for Feyenoord so there are definite similarities. I spent a long time talking to Cyriel when he was at Feyenoord. He's a very likeable guy and I think he's enjoying a wonderful career.
"When Feyenoord got to the Europa Conference League Final last season, a major part of that was because of Cyriel and his excellent performances in Europe. He scored ten goals in the competition including two goals against Marseille in the semi-finals.
"When he was with Feyenoord, it helped because he was playing for a team with character. Arne Slot did a good job with him. He made them fun to watch and Cyriel was a big part of that."
