When Rangers shelled out £8 million to bring Youssef Chermiti from Everton last summer, expectations were high. But for a while, the 21-year-old striker looked like a square peg in a round hole, managing just one goal in his first 18 appearances under Russell Martin and then Danny Rohl. Fast forward six months, and the narrative has flipped entirely.

Chermiti has transformed into a goal-scoring machine, netting 11 times in his last 19 outings—including eight in his past eight league games. That blistering form has made him the man to watch as Rangers prepare for a pivotal Monday night clash against league leaders Hearts, where he's expected to lead the line once again.

Head coach Danny Rohl hasn't held back in his praise, calling Chermiti a "role model" for the team's remarkable turnaround since October. "Honestly, for me, Youssef is the role model for our development from October to now," Rohl said. "He had a really difficult time in October, November, and maybe if you ask people now, nobody will say he should be on the bench."

Rohl pointed to Chermiti's work ethic as the key to his resurgence. "You see how hard he works for the group in every single game at the moment. He scores goals, he is involved in dangerous situations, he is outstanding in training at the moment, he really improved and this is fantastic to see."

The coach also highlighted the importance of patience and support in nurturing young talent. "We try and support him all the time and it was important for us in some moments to keep him on the pitch and protect him. It is what he gives me and gives the team back. He shows a big, big character and what is also important, especially at our club, you have to understand what it means. If you work hard and you bring a lot of effort, the outcome will come. This is a good example."

As Chermiti continues to light up the pitch, Rohl is confident the best is yet to come. "Youssef did really well and I am really happy to have him here. Hopefully he scores more goals and he has big courage. In big games he is always pressing on the pitch. This is good to have." For Rangers fans, seeing a player go from struggling to star is exactly the kind of story that makes this sport—and the gear that supports it—so special.