Nicolas Raskin position clear under Russell Martin at Rangers after Belgium heroics
Nicolas Raskin has made a major statement for Russell Martin at Rangers after scoring for Belgium against Kazakhstan on Sunday.
The 24-year-old has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons at the Gers recently, having been left out of the squad to face Celtic at Ibrox in the William Hill Premiership.
Despite the struggles at club level, Raskin made history with Belgium on 7 September, scoring his first goal at the international level in the 6-0 win over Kazakhstan.
The midfielder will certainly return to the Glaswegian outfit in a much better mood after his heroics with the Red Devils, and the Scottish manager must now ensure the ex-Standar Liege star performs similarly in G51.
Russell Martin to use Nicolas Raskin as number six at Rangers
Martin has conducted significant experiments with his team selection since being appointed at the Gers, including a notable change in Raskin’s role within the team.
The Scottish manager has seemingly wanted the midfielder to play in a much more advanced role at Ibrox, with summer signing Joe Rothwell the deepest-lying midfielder.
With the Belgian star struggling to perform consistently in a new-look team under the former Southampton boss, it feels like the best option would be to return to the basics.
- Raskin joined the Gers for £1.32million in January 2023.
- The midfielder made 48 appearances for the Light Blues last season, providing 11 assists.
- The Belgian star’s current contract at Ibrox expires in 2027.
Raskin was arguably the Glaswegian outfit’s best player last season playing in the number six position, and proved valuable for Rudi Garcia in that role against Kazakhstan.
Rothwell’s struggles at Ibrox have been apparent, and the initial verdict on the former Leeds United star among the fans in G51 is not positive.
Mohammed Diomande and Lyall Cameron should undoubtedly be the other two players supporting the Belgium international in the engine room, but it remains to be seen whether Martin has the sense to do that.
Read More: Keith Jackson baffled by what Celtic have done despite Ibrox prospect
https://x.com/BelgianFans/status/1964785256168665097Kevin Thelwell will want Nicolas Raskin to play at Ibrox
Raskin admits his situation at Ibrox is complicated, but hopefully Kevin Thelwell and Martin can talk to him after the international break.
The midfielder is undoubtedly one of the most valuable assets at Rangers, and they risk losing him for cheap if the Scottish manager continues to sideline him.
If the ex-Saints boss can’t find a way to incorporate the Belgian star in his starting lineup, then Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises should look to make a change in the Ibrox dugout.
Raskin’s situation in G51 is one to keep an eye on, and the supporters will certainly back him over Martin if things come to it.
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