Rangers: Nicolas Raskin shows class in Belgium cameo vs Mexico, Danny Rohl will take notice
Rangers ace Nico Raskin has continued to showcase his talents on the international stage with Belgium.
The 25-year-old has been a virtual ever-present for the Light Blues this campaign and has remained a part of Rudi Garcia’s plans with the Red Devils.
He received a call-up for the March break and featured in both games, with his side sealing a massive 5-2 friendly win over the USA in their first.
The Ibrox man started in Atlanta, before coming off the bench in their second outing of the camp, a 1-1 draw against Mexico in Chicago.
Raskin replaced Axel Witsel for Belgium at Soldier Field and immediately proved what he can bring to the side ahead of the World Cup.
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How did Nicolas Raskin perform for Belgium vs Mexico?
Garcia rang the changes for their second friendly of the break, so the change in performance level can’t come as a total surprise.
That fell perfectly into El Tri’s hands as they put in a positive shift despite only managing a friendly draw in the end.
| Stat | Mexico | Belgium |
| Possession (%) | 48 | 52 |
| Shots | 10 | 5 |
| Big chances | 1 | 0 |
| Corners | 3 | 2 |
| Duels won | 49 | 41 |
Javier Aguirre’s side had the better of the chances, but the Red Devils were ultimately able to get back in the game through Dodi Lukebakio.
The second half ebbed out, but that was largely due to the volume of changes that saw Raskin come on with 27 minutes to go.
He completed 25 passes across his 36 touches, maintaining an 86 per cent accuracy throughout his substitute cameo.
The Rangers man pushed three of those into the final third, while his only attempted long ball reached its intended target.
The midfielder added to that with two defensive contributions and two ground duel wins against Mexico.
Raskin continues to have a stunning record with Belgium and now needs to translate that onto the pitch when he returns to Ibrox.
Raskin in positive omen ahead of Rangers return
The international break can represent a scary time for managers as the threat of injury to your best players is very real.
That will have been the case for Danny Rohl, but it has actually afforded him the chance to see just how good Raskin can be.
The German has to take notice of the midfielder and realise what sort of level he can play at when given the opportunity.
He is one of the best players in the Scottish Premiership, but was certainly underappreciated by Russell Martin earlier this season.
Raskin has utilised the international break and has set himself in good stead to return to Govan and hit the ground running.
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