Keep it simple: Chermiti as the focal point and Naderi prowling the box could be a proper partnership. Chermiti gives you hold-up presence, brings others into the game, and Naderi has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Play them together and you change the shape without overcomplicating things.

What Chermiti brings

He’s the sort of striker who will take a flogging and keep the ball. That hold-up play lets our midfield and wingers arrive late into dangerous areas. When he was missing for a couple of games you could see we lacked that outlet — the team looked a bit more isolated up front. Having someone who can link play matters, especially when the opposition sit deep or when transitions happen quickly.

Naderi as the natural finisher

Naderi feels more like a classic number nine in the box: sharp, alert and ready to pounce. Give him service and he’ll take it. Pairing him with a striker who can hold and lay off creates a simple, effective division of labour. Two up doesn’t have to be chaotic — it can be structured: one to hold and create, one to finish.

Gassama’s central option and timing

I’ve seen flashes where Gassama can play through the middle. He’s rapid and, when he chooses to release the ball quicker, he can pick out teammates in dangerous positions. Think of those moments at Celtic away and Hearts at home — fast-paced situations where a quick decision paid off. It’s about timing; centrally he won’t get time to face up, dribble into space and then reset. He needs runs beyond or a partner who can occupy the defenders.

To be fair, some will scoff at two up or this particular mix. But football isn’t always about reinventing the wheel. Give Chermiti and Naderi regular minutes together, let training sessions build their understanding, and you might see a partnership that simply does what it’s supposed to: create and convert.

Written by SounessesMowzer: 26 April 2026

Tags: tactics spfl