- Youssef Chermiti leads the way for U23 Premiership players according to recent data report.
- James Tavernier backs Danny Rohl as steadying Rangers influence.
- Darren O’Dea backs Rangers to beat his old club Celtic to Premiership title and more.
Rangers are leading the way in Scottish football’s emerging talent pool, according to the latest CIES study.
Portuguese forward Youssef Chermiti has been ranked as the Premiership’s top U23 outfield player.
The 21-year-old performances over the past six months have placed him at the top of the rankings, with his aerial strength and attacking presence key factors.
His return of 11 goals and three assists in 25 appearances underlines his influence despite some criticism in front of goal.
Rangers are well represented across the study, with five players included in the top 20.
Mikey Moore is listed as the highest value player overall, although his loan status makes any permanent move unlikely.
Fellow loanees Jayden Meghoma and Nasser Djiga also feature, alongside Djeidi Gassama and Nicolas Raskin.
The findings highlight the strength of Rangers’ current squad profile, built around young, high value players.
It also reflects a shift in recruitment strategy, with a greater focus on developing talent before peak years.
With Rangers competing strongly in the Premiership title race, the value of these assets could rise further if success on the pitch follows.
James Tavernier offers praise for boss
With five post-split matches remaining, Tavernier credited Rohl for steadying the ship and guiding Rangers into a strong Premiership title challenge.
The German’s impact has been significant, turning around what had been a difficult period and restoring belief within the dressing room.
Tavernier’s comments echo those of Nicolas Raskin, who has also pointed to Rohl’s composed approach as a key factor behind the team’s improvement.
That consistent message from senior players underlines the influence the manager has had beyond tactics.
Regardless of whether Rangers go on to secure the title, Rohl’s work in rebuilding confidence and creating a positive environment at Ibrox is already being viewed as a major success.
Kelly thriving in California sun
The 26 year old midfielder now plays for Orange County in the USL Championship.
He is embracing what he describes as a completely different lifestyle in California.
Despite coming through the ranks at Ibrox during Steven Gerrard’s early years in charge.
Kelly found opportunities limited despite being highly regarded within the squad.
Gerrard previously kept him at the club to train alongside experienced midfielders, underlining the belief in his potential.
He went on to build solid experience across Scotland, with his most productive period coming at Livingston.
Now settled in California, Kelly says the transition has been smooth both on and off the park as a positive.
“It’s just a totally different way of living. You get sun every day, there are beaches close by and I feel at home here,” he revealed.
“I joined in June and it has been a pretty smooth transition.
“Initially I had a few issues in terms of the sun and dehydration but other than that, it has been pretty good.”
Celtic hero backs Gers’ for title win
This came despite his strong ties to the Parkhead club as a former player and coach.
Speaking on The Breakdown Podcast, O’Dea admitted his “heart and head” conflict but ultimately said he would back Rangers “if put on the spot,” even ahead of both Celtic and league leaders Hearts.
He pointed to Rangers’ recent 6-3 comeback win over Falkirk as a turning point, suggesting Rohl’s side have settled on a more direct system, using two strikers, which he believes will be difficult for other teams to handle.
