Rangers must axe Nicolas Raskin for Benfica clash after reckless display in Motherwell defeat
Rangers and Philippe Clement are looking to get back to winning ways and make history when they face Benfica in the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday 7 March.
The Light Blues have been almost flawless under the Belgian’s management this season, tasting defeat only twice in all competitions. Once against Celtic at Parkhead and once against Motherwell last time out at Ibrox.
Clement will be eager to avoid consecutive defeats in Portugal on Thursday and will therefore almost certainly make changes to his starting XI and one man who simply cannot start for the Gers is Belgian midfielder, Nicolas Raskin.
The 23-year-old’s season has been plagued by injuries, meaning he has only started 11 Scottish Premiership matches this season. But in his latest appearance, he was hooked at halftime after a poor half against Motherwell.
Raskin was fairly solid if unremarkable on the ball, completing 89 per cent of his 19 attempted passes and even managing a single shot on target. However, out of possession the midfielder did very little to break up play and was reckless in the tackle.
The Belgian lost all his attempted tackles in the game and won only one of his four ground duels while also committing three fouls in the clash. Against a Motherwell midfield that had the 17-year-old Lennon Miller at the heart of it, it was Raskin who looked out of his depth.
Who will Philippe Clement start for Rangers against Benfica in the Europa League?
While Clement isn’t spoilt with midfield options at Ibrox currently, he needs a consistent presence alongside John Lundstram if he wants to take a lead back into the second leg at Ibrox.
Tom Lawrence was the man to replace the Belgian against Motherwell and the Welshman has impressed in that deeper role recently at Ibrox and would offer a more positive presence with his immense ability on the ball.
Alternatively, Ryan Jack has returned to full fitness and has been named on the Gers’ bench in recent weeks. The Scotsman isn’t as lively on the ball, but away to Benfica, his ability off of the ball may help Rangers break up the home side’s possession.
No matter who comes in, Clement cannot afford to start Raksin as his performances in recent weeks have been nowhere near the standard required to be a success at Ibrox.
Some have suggested that those in charge on the blue half of Glasgow may even be looking to sell the 23-year-old this summer and should he continue to struggle in a Rangers shirt, that may not be a bad thing for all parties.
In other Rangers news, Alan Brazil and Gabby Agbonlahor have clashed over their Old Firm title verdict live on talkSPORT
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