Kris Boyd Left Stunned by Rangers Star World-Class Display in Old Firm Thriller

Kris Boyd Left Stunned by Rangers Star World-Class Display in Old Firm Thriller

In a pulsating Old Firm derby at Parkhead on January 3, 2026, Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti delivered a performance that left Sky Sports pundit and former Gers hero Kris Boyd utterly stunned. The 21-year-old Portuguese forward, who has faced intense criticism since his £8m move from Everton last summer, exploded into life with a sensational brace, powering Rangers to a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over rivals Celtic.

Chermiti, often lambasted by Boyd himself in recent months for lacking impact, silenced doubters in spectacular fashion. Trailing 1-0 at halftime to Yang Hyun-jun’s opener, Rangers equalized early in the second half when Nicolas Raskin cut the ball back for Chermiti to slot home from close range. Just minutes later, the young striker dispossessed Anthony Ralston and raced clear to fire Rangers ahead – a moment of pure class that turned the tide.

Mikey Moore sealed the win late on, but it was Chermiti’s clinical finishing, hold-up play, and relentless running that dominated headlines. Boyd, known for his blunt assessments, was visibly astonished in the studio, reportedly declaring it “absolutely world-class” and “the best individual performance I’ve seen from a Rangers forward in a long while.”

This turnaround comes after a tough spell for Chermiti, with only sporadic goals prior to the derby. Manager Danny Rohl had backed him to write a “special story,” and the striker delivered in the biggest stage possible, boosting Rangers level on points with second-placed Celtic and injecting fresh belief into their title challenge.

Chermiti’s display wasn’t just about goals; his movement tormented Celtic’s defense, creating space for teammates and showcasing the potential that justified his hefty transfer fee. For a player once questioned by Boyd as not offering enough, this was vindication – a reminder of why Rangers invested big.

As the Ibrox faithful celebrated a famous away win, Boyd’s stunned praise encapsulated the magic of the Old Firm: one game can change everything. Chermiti has arrived – and Scottish football is taking notice.