'Reminds me of Muller' - Naderi proving worth in Rangers revival

A previously unfancied striker is playing a crucial role in Rangers' revival - and even earning comparisons with Germany legend Thomas Muller.

Ryan Naderi pounced for a first-half double against Kilmarnock as Derek McInnes' side overcame the disruption of the extended international break to earn a sixth straight league win and rise to the top of the Scottish Premiership.

That outcome enhanced a turnaround in fortunes for Rangers after the disappointment of their European exit, having also taken just a point from their first two Premiership games.

They now lie a point ahead of Celtic, who visit Motherwell on Sunday under pressure to regain their place at the top.

Much of the focus has centred on an excellent defensive record with just one league goal conceded in their previous five Premiership games - that record blemished by Nicky Clesenco's late Kilmarnock consolation.

However, at the top end of the pitch, Naderi is defying those who doubted his ability to make a consistent impact.

Former Rangers forward Peter Lovenkrands has been impressed by what he's seen from the German-born Czech Republic striker.

"Naderi at times does things where you're like 'How did he do that?'" Lovenkrands said on 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."

Rangers overwhelm Kilmarnock to take top spot

What could Rangers' 2012 case tell us about Man City's uncertain future?

Naderi now has three goals in his past two league games, having scored the winner in Rangers' 1-0 league win away to Celtic before the break.

That alone elevated his status among an initially sceptical support who had watched the 23-year-old struggle to make an impact after singing from German third-tier side Hansa Rostock in February.

Just one league goal - and two in a League Cup trouncing of Queen's Park - followed last season, with observers unconvinced he had the attributes to be a starting striker at the club.

Such assessments seem to have dissipated as he has surged to the fore in the absence of injured team-mates Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti.

Six goals and three assists, often key interventions, have elevated his status as he adds end product to his physical prowess.

A crucial assist in the late win over St Mirren when Bojan Miovski scored a vital winner was notable.

Naderi has netted winners against Motherwell and Celtic and his two goals against Kilmarnock proved decisive.

His manager agrees Naderi, who made his Czech Republic debut last week, has stepped up to the plate for Rangers at a good time.

"Yes, and fair play to him," McInnes said. "He's always such an honest boy, he's willing to put defenders under pressure.

"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."

McInnes cited fatigue and the extended break as reasons for his side not kicking on from leading 3-0 by half-time against Kilmarnock.

The visitors were unfortunate to only pull one goal back as Rangers toiled in the second half.

That said, it's now seven wins in a row in all competitions, with strikers firing backed up by a defensive solidity that might have fans believing this could be their season for a first league title since 2021.

Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday has more faith now in McInnes' side, telling BBC Sportsound: "A lot of my confidence doesn't come from Rangers being brilliant, it comes from Celtic being poor.

"Rangers are definitely building. They are becoming a much more predictable side - you go into games fancying them to win.

"You're starting to see a Derek McInnes side - really solid defensively and creating chances."

McInnes admitted Rangers' second-half performance was "far from where we needed to be", but wants the club to "feel good about ourselves" after topping the table for the first time this season.

"There's a bit of understanding for me where the players have been. This break's been far too long," he said.

"But we've got the job done, and credit the players for digging deep and getting three points."

Visit our Rangers page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views

Get Rangers news notifications in the app