AliousMartin Urged to Unleash “Powerful” Rangers Star to Keep Miovski Scoring
Tensions remain high around Ibrox, with frustrated Rangers supporters recently staging a demonstration before the League Cup quarter-final against Hibernian. Their anger was directed at manager Russell Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart after a nightmare start to the 2025/26 season.
Rangers’ five-game winless run in the Premiership marked their worst league opening in nearly half a century, compounded by a humiliating 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifiers. Calls for change in the dugout grew louder, but the board stood by Martin — and were rewarded with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Hibs.
That result carried several positives, but the biggest came from new signing Bojan Miovski. The Macedonian striker grabbed his first goal for the club, slotting home from close range to seal the victory. For a player signed to provide firepower, finally breaking his duck could prove a turning point.
Miovski arrives at Ibrox with pedigree, having netted 32 goals across two seasons with Aberdeen, including seven against Rangers and Celtic. However, early outings for the Light Blues suggested he struggled as a lone striker against the physical demands of Premiership defences. With just two shots in 162 league minutes before the Hibs game, he looked isolated and ineffective.
Martin now faces a tactical dilemma: how best to support Miovski so his scoring instincts shine through. One solution may lie in summer recruit Youssef Chermiti. The Portuguese forward, acquired from Everton in a deal worth up to £10m, is yet to cement his place in the side but could be the perfect foil for Miovski.
Standing at 6’4”, Chermiti offers the physical strength and aerial dominance to occupy defenders, allowing Miovski to exploit space inside the box rather than wasting energy battling in duels. While Chermiti’s Premier League scoring record is modest, his 67% aerial success rate during 2023/24 highlights his ability to unsettle opposition backlines.
By contrast, Thelo Aasgaard — who started behind Miovski against Hibs — has failed to deliver much attacking threat since joining from Luton, with no goals or assists in seven appearances. That lack of end product strengthens the case for Chermiti to partner Miovski centrally.
Chermiti has already been described as “powerful” by analysts, and his presence could give Martin’s system the balance it currently lacks. With Chermiti engaging defenders physically, Miovski would be freed up to do what he does best — find space, anticipate chances, and score goals.
If Rangers are to rescue their season, unlocking Miovski’s full potential is essential. The path forward might be clear: unleash the “powerful” Portuguese striker alongside him, and let the goals flow.
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