Rangers learn in-form star has been compared to Thomas Muller - by a cult hero

News

Matthew Judge | Editor

Former Rangers forward Peter Lovenkrands has compared Ryan Naderi to Germany legend Thomas Muller after continuing his fine form in front of goal.

Naderi scored twice as the Scottish heavyweights downed Kilmarnock and moved to the top of the Premiership with their sixth straight league win.

The 23-year-old made a slow start to life in Govan, scoring three goals in 11 games last season following his move from German side Hansa Rostock in February.

However, Naderi has already outstripped that tally this term, netting six times in the opening 12 games of the season for Derek McInnes’ side.

And now the Czech Republic international has received glowing praise from Lovenkrands, who is reminded of Muller when watching the Rangers attacker.

Lovenkrands - who represented Rangers between 2000 and 2006 - told BBC Sportsound: “Naderi at times does things where you're like 'How did he do that?'

“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.”

Muller is regarded as one of the best players of his generation having sparkled for Bayern Munich and Germany in his prime years.

The 37-year-old - who currently plays for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Vancouver Whitecaps - scored 295 goals for Bayern and Germany.

Known for his positioning and consistency, Muller won two Champions League titles with Bayern and the 2014 World Cup with Germany.

McInnes hails Naderi amid Chermiti & Shankland absences

While avoiding comparisons with Muller, Rangers boss McInnes agrees that Naderi has stepped up when his side really needed him.

The Gers have been without injured duo Youssef Chermiti and Lawrence Shankland this season - but Naderi has sparkled in their stead.

“He's always such an honest boy, he's willing to put defenders under pressure,” McInnes said after the 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at Ibrox.

“I've always felt as a striker that if the ball goes in the box, he'll score his goals. He's not the type of striker that creates a lot for himself, so he needs that service.

“If we put the ball in the box, as we did in the first half, then he looks a threat.

“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.”

Rangers - who are one point ahead of Celtic ahead of their trip to Motherwell today (Sunday) - return to league action at Dundee next Saturday.

Related stories:

How Piers Morgan helped turn Cristiano Ronaldo into ‘Homelando’

Guardiola’s Man City silver lining: Pep can keep promise and silence critics

Transfer Rumours: Man Utd 'totally convinced' to sign breakout €50m wonderkid