​Andy Halliday believes Rangers have found the ideal supporting pair for new striker Lawrence Shankland in Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi. The two attackers frequently linked up with each other in the previous season, and Shankland is poised to join the Gers squad soon after representing Scotland at the World Cup. Halliday, speaking on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast, described Chermiti and Naderi as “two perfect foils” for Shankland. He emphasized that both players bring size, athleticism, and a higher work rate that can complement the goalscoring focus of the Scotland international.
Halliday highlighted that Chermiti and Naderi offer physical profiles and stamina that could cover more ground than Shankland typically might, allowing the in-form striker to maximize his positioning and goal threat. According to Halliday, having two robust, athletic teammates beside Shankland would enable him to stay anchored in the penalty box and play to his strengths as a lethal finisher around the goal mouth. This dynamic, he suggested, could unlock a level of efficiency in front of goal and create more scoring opportunities for the team as a whole.
In his assessment, Halliday noted that Chermiti’s and Naderi’s willingness and ability to press, run the channels, and support attacking moves would free Shankland to operate in the zones where he has historically been most dangerous. The combination of Chermiti’s likely pace and technical ability with Naderi’s physical presence could stretch defenses, pull central defenders away from Shankland, and open up spaces for late runs into the box. Halliday’s verdict is that the pairing provides the right balance between physicality and movement, which could be crucial for Rangers as they aim to maximize Shankland’s goal-scoring potential.
With Shankland set to link up with Rangers’ setup in the near future, the partnership with Chermiti and Naderi could be a strategic cornerstone for the club’s attacking approach. Halliday’s comments come as Rangers prepare to integrate the new striker into a system that has already shown flexibility in attack, relying on movement, pressing, and quick combination play to break down opponent defenses. The potential trio offers a blend of different strengths: Shankland’s proven finishing instinct, Chermiti’s athleticism and ability to make intelligent off-ball runs, and Naderi’s physical exertion and hold-up play to sustain attacks and bring teammates into the game.
Looking ahead, the dynamic between Chermiti, Naderi, and Shankland could shape Rangers’ season in several ways. If Chermiti and Naderi can consistently provide the kind of support that gives Shankland space inside the box, Rangers could see a notable uptick in goal conversion rates. The BBC Scotland Football Podcast discussion suggests that the trio could form a balanced attacking unit, capable of adapting to different opponents and match situations. For supporters, this potential alignment promises combinations, overlaps, and smart rotations that could keep defenses guessing and create more scoring chances across the campaign.
In summary, Halliday’s take centers on the idea that Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi offer complementary attributes that align perfectly with Lawrence Shankland’s strengths. The physical, high-energy profiles of Chermiti and Naderi could provide the perfect foil, allowing Shankland to stay operational in the penalty area where he remains most dangerous. If this trio can translate Halliday’s theory into consistent on-pitch performance, Rangers may establish a formidable attacking unit built around a trusted, prolific striker working in tandem with two dynamic, hardworking runners.