Rangers have surged back to the top of the Scottish Premiership, thanks in large part to the unexpected emergence of striker Ryan Naderi. The 23‑year‑old, who joined the club from German third‑tier side Hansa Rostock in February, scored a brace in the first half of the 3‑0 win over Kilmarnock, propelling the team to its sixth consecutive league victory and a seven‑match winning streak across all competitions. The result also lifted Rangers to the summit of the table, one point ahead of Celtic, who will face Motherwell on Sunday.
Naderi’s rise has come at a time when Rangers have been dealing with a disrupted pre‑season and a disappointing exit from Europe. After a slow start to the campaign—just one point from the first two league games—the club has found a rhythm, largely built on a defensive record that has seen only one league goal conceded in the previous five Premiership matches. The only blemish on that run was a late consolation from Kilmarnock’s Nicky Clesenco, but the team’s solidity has been a key factor in their recent success.
Former Rangers forward Peter Lovenkrands praised Naderi’s play, noting that the Czech striker “does things where you’re like, ‘How did he do that?’” and comparing him to German legend Thomas Müller. “He’s not always obvious, but he creates things because he’s so unorthodox,” Lovenkrands said on BBC Sportsound. Naderi’s contributions have been tangible: he has scored six goals and provided three assists in his last six league appearances, including decisive winners against Celtic and Motherwell. His performance has silenced early scepticism, as he had only netted once in the league and twice in the League Cup during the previous season.
Manager Derek McInnes welcomed the striker’s form, saying, “He’s an honest boy who puts defenders under pressure. If we get the ball in the box, he’s a threat.” McInnes also acknowledged the team’s fatigue after the extended international break, explaining why Rangers were unable to maintain a 3‑0 advantage at half‑time against Kilmarnock. Nevertheless, the club’s manager remains confident, noting that the side has “got the job done” and that the players have “digged deep” to secure three points.
With Rangers now in a position to challenge for the league title for the first time since 2021, the focus will shift to maintaining consistency. The club’s defensive solidity, coupled with a striker who has stepped up in the absence of injured teammates Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti, suggests that the team is poised for a strong finish. As McInnes and his squad look ahead, the key will be to sustain the momentum and keep the pressure on Celtic as the season progresses.