Rangers Strikers Lack Championship Quality, Says Boyd
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has delivered a sobering assessment of the club's attacking options, questioning whether the current forward line possesses the quality necessary to secure the Scottish Premiership title.
Speaking after Rangers' narrow 1-0 victory over St Mirren, Boyd expressed serious concerns about the effectiveness of strikers Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi, despite the team moving within three points of league leaders Hearts.
Missing the Killer Instinct
Boyd's criticism centered on what he perceives as a fundamental lack of ruthlessness in front of goal. "There is a real lack of quality from Rangers in the forward areas," the former Scotland international stated bluntly.
The assessment comes despite Chermiti's impressive February form, which earned him player of the month honors. However, the striker's missed opportunity from close range against St Mirren highlighted the concerns about consistency when it matters most.
Naderi, the January acquisition from Hansa Rostock, has managed just two goals since his arrival, both coming against lower-league opposition Queen's Park in cup competition.
Tactical Questions for Manager Röhl
Boyd and fellow pundit James McFadden questioned manager Danny Röhl's tactical approach of deploying two strikers, suggesting the partnership lacks the necessary chemistry and understanding.
"They don't play together," McFadden observed. "We are not seeing any signs of any link-up play. They are playing as two strikers but just doing what each other wants to do for themselves rather than what is best for the partnership."
This tactical disconnect has created a ripple effect throughout the team's attacking play, with wide players reportedly reluctant to deliver crosses due to the lack of presence in the penalty area.
Championship Mentality Required
Boyd emphasized that winning titles requires players who can step up in crucial moments and deliver the decisive goals that separate champions from also-rans.
"You have got to have that little bit of quality and I don't see it," Boyd stated. "I don't see enough quality at that top end of the pitch that is going to drag Rangers to winning a title."
The former striker highlighted how championship teams need players who can kill games off with second and third goals, rather than allowing opponents to remain in contention until the final whistle.
Title Race Remains Wide Open
Despite his criticism of the attacking options, Boyd surprisingly switched his title prediction back to Rangers, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of this season's championship race.
The tight competition sees Hearts maintaining their position at the summit, with Celtic and Rangers both within striking distance as the season enters its crucial final phase.
McFadden refused to make a definitive prediction, insisting that mental fortitude under pressure will ultimately determine the champion. "Whoever deals with the pressure is obviously going to come out on top," he concluded.
As Rangers prepare for two crucial home fixtures, the spotlight will remain firmly on their strikers to prove they possess the championship-winning quality that Boyd currently questions.