Russell Martin ‘must drop’ one Rangers star after ‘incredible’ Raskin revelation
Russell Martin is already under heavy pressure at Rangers, but he could be set to make more ruthless decisions.
Martin was commended for his decision to drop several key players, including captain James Tavernier, after a dismal opening league game.
However, this buzz did not last long as Rangers fell to another draw in their second match, with Dundee frustrating them at Ibrox.
Rangers will face Viktoria Plzen in the second leg of their Champions League tie before a League Cup clash against Alloa, and this is a good chance to build momentum with his squad.
Martin explains why Nicolas Raskin was dropped
While many were delighted that Tavernier and Kieran Dowell were dropped from the team, there was surprise as Nicolas Raskin was also a casualty of Martin’s axe.
Raskin was Rangers’ best performer last season, and has established himself as one of the, if not the best, midfielder in Scotland.
However, this has meant that he has attracted transfer interest from elsewhere, and Martin told STV Sport (August 11) that this led to the midfielder’s absence from the team.
“What Nico did last season, rightly or wrongly, I can’t have a feeling about. I can only judge on right now. And he played brilliantly on Saturday,” Martin stated.
- Martin is not in favour with the Rangers fanbase, but he did earn credit for dropping several players after slamming the attitude within his squad.
“He came out of the team for reasons that me and him spoke about. And his reaction has been top, like really, really brilliant. And that’s all you can ever ask for.
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Premiership | 33 | 4 | 10 |
| Europa League | 12 | 1 | 1 |
| League Cup | 2 | – | – |
| FA Cup | 1 | – | – |
| Total | 48 | 5 | 11 |
“There’s been a bit of uncertainty about him this summer, for sure. Not from people ringing us, but I think from people ringing him, definitely.
“So I think that’s affected his approach. Not in terms of professionalism, but he’s a young man, of course, it’s going to have an impact at some point.
“And then we’ve had a discussion, and since he came out of the team, he’s been a different guy. Incredible.”
Raskin must replace Mohamed Diomande
Lyall Cameron replaced Raskin in midfield and excelled against Viktoria Plzen, and this could earn him a starting spot.
Mohamed Diomande was also impressive last season, but his performances this season have been below his best level.
Diomande was poor against Dundee, and this could now give Martin the opportunity to be ruthless again.
Clearly, Raskin’s head is now in the right place again after Martin’s comments, and he appears ready to come back into the team with his future at Ibrox.
Martin can drop Diomande to improve his form in an act of ruthlessness, and can bring Raskin back in to play alongside Cameron, in a move which could strengthen Rangers.
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