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Why Ryan Naderi should be dropped for Rangers vs. Aberdeen clash 

Tom MaydewTom Maydew3 min read
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  • Danny Rohl is tasked with a tough selection decision over Ryan Naderi
  • The German has struggled for form since joining Rangers in January
  • Rohl must change personnel and the formation ahead of tough Aberdeen encounter.


Danny Rohl must make a crucial decision on striker Ryan Naderi ahead of the blockbuster Aberdeen clash on Saturday. 

The Gers are up against a robust and solid defensive unit as they face a new-look Stephen Robinson Aberdeen. 

It has the makings of a game with very few solid chances, leaving Rohl with a tough decision leading into the game. 

Naderi signed for Rangers for £4.7 million from German third-tier side Hansa Rostock. 

Since then, Naderi has struggled to make a significant impact in the Gers frontline in Rohl’s 4-2-2-2 formation. 

With the Gers shorthanded in midfield, is it time for Rohl to switch things up in the Dons clash? 

Ryan Naderi’s failed goalscoring stroke 

At the beginning of the season in Germany, Naderi was on fire for Rostock, netting eight goals in 18 league matches. 

His move to Rangers hasn’t improved his goal-scoring form, scoring only twice in the Scottish Cup. 

The German striker has failed to score in any of his Premiership matches, but it isn’t only that.

In Rohl’s 4-2-2-2 formation, the combination of him and Youssef Chermiti hasn’t been a recipe for success. 

The pair notably clicked into gear against Hearts and the league game against Celtic, but since then, they’ve been miles apart.

Against St Mirren, Naderi missed three big chances from a total of five shots on target. 

The 22-year-old lost the ball 21 times from 45 touches and failed to make a single key pass. 

Naderi’s work rate can’t be questioned, but his lack of goal-scoring and playmaking is a cause for concern. 

Here’s what Rohl needs to do ahead of the Aberdeen game. 

Personnel and formation changes

In his press conference, Rohl confirmed Mo Diomande was back in training after his shoulder injury. 

Fellow midfielder Connor Barron is still working his way back into full fitness following a knee injury. 

The Gers may have the whole midfield in training, but Nico Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani are the only two primed and ready. 

To help balance the middle of the park and add an extra set of fresh legs, Rohl must change to a 4-2-3-1. 

Thelo Aasgaard has everything to prove after he was omitted from the Norwegian squad ahead of the next international break. 

Aasgaard made a significant impact against St Mirren last weekend and warrants an opportunity on Saturday. 

If not Aasgaard, Mikey Moore could be the ideal replacement in the attacking midfield position. 

Moore can make things happen and get on the half turn in tight spaces to punish a low block. 

If Moore starts in a central role, Djeidi Gassama could play off the left. 

Any of these changes brings a sharper and more dynamic approach to the Gers’ forward line. 

Let’s hope Rohl finally makes the change that has been much needed for a few weeks. 

Read Rangers analysis 

Here is my expert opinion on the Naderi situation.

In his first eight games in a Rangers shirt, Naderi has failed to provide any quality against Premiership opposition. 

Rohl has a plethora of options to bolster the midfield and offer more speed and flair on the wings. 

The two strikers’ experiment hasn’t worked, and it must change against a Robinson defensive unit. 

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Tom Maydew

Tom Maydew

Tom is a writer at Read Rangers with over six years experience in football and basketball writing. They have featured in Sky Sports, specialising in British football and the NBA. Tom holds a first class degree in Sports Journalism and has personally helped one brand grow to over 250,000 followers. When he's not writing, he likes to play padel, football, and bowls. Follow Tom at https://www.instagram.com/tommaydew01/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-maydew-ab8a8b1a3/

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