Rangers have surged to the summit of the Scottish Premiership following a victory over Kilmarnock, powered by a standout performance from striker Ryan Naderi. The 23-year-old netted a first-half double to help Derek McInnes’ side secure a sixth consecutive league win, taking them one point clear of rivals Celtic.
The result marks a significant turnaround for the Glasgow club after a disappointing exit from European competition and a shaky start to the domestic season, during which they managed just one point from their opening two games. While the team has been lauded for its defensive solidity—conceding only one league goal in their previous five matches—it is Naderi’s end product at the other end that has recently drawn attention.
Former Rangers forward Peter Lovenkrands highlighted Naderi’s unique qualities, drawing parallels with German international legend Thomas Muller. “Naderi at times does things where you’re like, ‘How did he do that?'” Lovenkrands told BBC Sportsound. “He reminds me a lot of Thomas Muller—he’s not nice on the eye at times, but he creates stuff because he’s so unorthodox.”
Naderi, who was signed from German third-tier side Hansa Rostock in February, had faced skepticism during his debut season, managing only a single league goal before the winter break. However, he has now scored in each of his last two league outings, including the winner in the 1-0 victory over Celtic prior to the international window. His recent tally stands at six goals and three assists across all competitions.
The midfielder’s resurgence comes amid injuries to teammates Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti. McInnes praised the German-born Czech Republic international for his willingness to pressure defenders and make runs into the box. “I’ve always felt as a striker that if the ball goes in the box, he’ll score his goals,” McInnes said. “He’s had such a good few weeks. Everybody’s so pleased for him. We need someone who would regularly be the goalscorer here at the club.”
Despite leading 3-0 at halftime against Kilmarnock, Rangers struggled to control the second half, with Nicky Clesenco pulling one back late on. McInnes attributed the lapse to fatigue following an extended international break but remained positive about the team’s trajectory.
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday noted a tactical shift under McInnes. “You’re starting to see a Derek McInnes side—really solid defensively and creating chances,” Halliday observed. With seven wins in a row across all competitions, Rangers are now viewed as strong contenders for their first league title since 2021.
Muller comparisons are a stretch for me. Naderi gets results, sure, but he doesn’t quite have that German genius to me.
How does McInnes keep this defense leaking goals after the break though? Conceding late against Kilmarnock seems concerning for consistency.
Wait, he scored against Celtic and Kilmarnock recently? The turnaround from that terrible start is insane. Title race is on.
Love this Muller comparison. Naderi is ugly but effective, exactly like the German legend. Pure goal machine energy.