Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti has been included in Portugal’s latest U21 squad, despite going more than a year without scoring. Speaking to A Bola, coach Luís Freire explained his decision and offered a broader view on the young forward’s current moment.

The manager stressed that Chermiti is well known to the Portuguese setup. He’s remained on their radar since his early years at Sporting. 

His time at Everton in the Premier League brought limited opportunities, but the recent move to Rangers has given him more exposure, including minutes in the Europa League. 

Russell Martin appears to have some faith in the youngster, leading to Rangers minutes.

Freire also noted that Chermiti hit the woodwork for Rangers against Sturm Graz, and completed the full 90 minutes. A sign of improving rhythm.

Freire pointed to a few of the Rangers striker’s features as reasons to keep him close. As he explained: “He has interesting physical characteristics, 1.95 metres tall, he knows how to hold the ball, combine with teammates, he was at Sporting and at Everton.”

The forward had already been part of the U21 group in the past. The manager made it...