Belgian media reacts to Nicolas Raskin as Rangers star shines on full debut
Rangers star Nicolas Raskin earned his full debut for Belgium in an impressive 3-0 rout of Ukraine on Sunday (23 March).
Just days after coming off the bench against Ukraine in their 3-1 loss in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals first leg, the Rangers midfielder was handed his first start by Rudi Garcia in the second leg.
With Youri Tielemans suspended, Raskin stepped in to start alongside Kevin de Bruyne, starring in the sensational comeback to win 4-3 on aggregate and retain Group A status in the Nations League.
Raskin wows on international stage
Raskin has been a quintessential part of the Rangers’ midfield this season. The 24-year-old has made 39 appearances for the Gers so far, producing two goals and six assists.
His impressive displays at Ibrox earned him a call-up to the national squad for the March international break, and despite impressing at youth level for Belgium, Raskin’s senior debut was long overdue.
He came on for the final 10 minutes in the first game against Ukraine, earning his first cap, before turning that into his first start.
The Belgian national media were full of praise for Raskin in his first start, though, as he continues his sensational form in recent months.
| Nicolas Raskin v Ukraine | Stats |
| Minutes | 89′ |
| Passes | 75/82 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Touches | 91 |
Sporza (23 March) stated: “Raskin and Vanaken are emerging as a powerful duo in midfield, substitute Saelemaekers has been providing some extra fire since his replacement. With a volley, he wants to take care of the preservation, but that was a bit too much hoped for.”
Nieuwsblad went on to point out how former Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco was proved wrong by Raskin in his first start for Belgium.
The Belgian outlet stated: “Alert, constantly pointing, coaching, invariably playable, but also invariably unthreatened. In the Raskin zone, the Devils were allowed to play football carefree.
“It made him grow in the game. Raskin often played in an armchair. Raskin handed out the passes for the central duo Debast-Faes.”
Raskin could prove to be key for Rangers in UEFA Europa League
The 24-year-old has played all 10 UEFA Europa League games so far this season, starting eight of those, and getting two goal contributions.
With Barry Ferguson’s side set to play Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals, Raskin’s presence can prove to be the key point.
The former Standard Liege midfielder has a knack for turning up in the big games and putting in a brilliant performance for his side.
He did it against Celtic in the Old Firm derby, scoring one and assisting another in Rangers’ 3-2 win.
Raskin repeated such a performance for Belgium too when they were 3-1 down and needed a miracle to go through the semi-finals of the Nations League.
With the midfielder showing his calibre in being a reliable asset in big games with high stakes, he should be an undisputed starter for Rangers in their Europa League semi-finals.