How media in Belgium reacted as Nicolas Raskin achieves a career first away from Rangers
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin has had a tough start to the season with his club, but is thriving on the international stage with Belgium.
Raskin was dropped from the Rangers team after a rift with Russell Martin, and fans were furious as a result as they backed the player over the unpopular manager.
The midfielder was Rangers’ best player last season, but found himself out of the Rangers squad for the drab 0-0 draw with Celtic last time out.
After a move away failed to materialise, Raskin linked up with the Belgium national team, and was outstanding in their 6-0 win over Kazakhstan on Sunday.
Nicolas Raskin scores first Belgium goal in rout
Raskin was selected to start alongside Premier League stars Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard, as well as the legendary Kevin De Bruyne in midfield as Belgium faced Kazakhstan in a World Cup qualifier.
Rudi Garcia’s side stormed to victory, and Raskin got himself on the scoresheet for the first time for his country, as he tapped in a rebound after Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku hit the post.
| Stat | Raskin |
| Appearances | 5 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Yellow cards | 2 |
The media in Belgium have since praised Raskin for his display and his goal, on what was his best game of the season so far.
RTBF gave Raskin a 7/10 match rating, and described him as a “predator in the box” after he did well to pounce on his goal.
They stated that Raskin “can smile” after making all the right decisions in the game and winning most of his duels, and that he helped bring balance to the entire team.
DH Sports gave Raskin a 7.5/10 rating, and claimed that the 24-year-old produced “woos” from the crowd with some of his skilful play.
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Rangers must bring Nicolas Raskin back into the team
It is a ridiculous situation that Raskin finds himself in right now, as he is able to start and shine alongside the likes of De Bruyne and Tielemans, but has found himself benched for Joe Rothwell at club level.
Martin is to blame, and one of his biggest Rangers failings so far has been his misuse of Raskin, with Rothwell massively disappointing so far.
Rangers fans would have been up in arms had Raskin been sold by Martin, but with the midfielder still at Ibrox, there is hope that he can return to the team and reach his best level.
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