McLeish loses mind over what Raskin has done at Rangers – ‘Unbelievable’
Alex McLeish thinks Nico Raskin’s form for Rangers this season has gone through the roof since Barry Ferguson took charge.
Raskin started the campaign injured and took some time to re-establish his first-team place, but since returning to the side, the Belgian has been ever-prevent under both Philippe Clement and Ferguson.
As one of few consistently good performers amid the poor runs of form which eventually saw Clement sacked last month, Raskin has captained Rangers for the first time this season and reaped the rewards.
Other than a potential run to the Europa League title, Rangers have nothing left to play for this season, but Raskin‘s form has resulted in an international call-up and a senior debut for Belgium on Thursday.
Nico Raskin singled out after ‘unbelievable’ Rangers run
Raskin making his international debut for Belgium looked unthinkable as he lingered on the periphery at Ibrox earlier this season, but his displays under both Clement and Ferguson have now been justified.
| Player | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Games Missed |
| Nico Raskin | 39 | 32 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 8 |
The 24-year-old’s combative, all-action approach in midfield is not too different to the one taken by his current manager during his playing days, and ex-Gers boss Alex McLeish noted those similarities.
Speaking to the Daily Record (23 March), McLeish said: “All of [Ferguson’s] experience as a player was at a high level, and I think you can see that’s rubbing off on the players now.
“Look at what he has done already with Nico Raskin – he was unbelievable against Celtic last weekend, as were the whole team. He’s done a really good job so far.”
Barry Ferguson impact taking Raskin to new levels at Rangers
Belgium have been one of international football’s leading lights in the last decade or so, despite a lack of success to show for it and remain eighth in the world rankings as their ‘Golden Generation’ winds down.
The next iteration of Belgian football, therefore, is set to be a transformational one as new faces stake their claims to succeed the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Axel Witsel – and Raskin is firmly in contention.
Few would have expected a Rangers player – particularly given their plight this season – to be included in one of Europe’s top squads, but Raskin has stood above the parapet for the Light Blues of late.
Ferguson’s style of play being reflected by Rangers’ number 43 and rewarded with a Belgium call-up will stand them in good stead ahead of the transfer window, regardless of if the Ibrox legend is given the job full-time.