The hidden quality that Nicolas Raskin and Dan Neil can bring to Rangers
Dan Neil and Nicolas Raskin are showing signs of building a promising partnership at Rangers.
Neil was signed on a free transfer from Sunderland during a hectic summer that saw 14 players arrive.
Raskin was actually expected to depart, with interest from England, Italy, and Spain reported in the Belgium midfielder.
However, the 25-year-old ended up staying at Ibrox and has been a regular since a departure failed to happen.
Together, Neil and Raskin have been influential in helping Rangers clock up six straight wins in all competitions.
Former Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam has now spoken of the hidden quality that Neil and Raskin can bring to the table.
What can Nicolas Raskin and Dan Neil do at Rangers?
Neil had his detractors early in his Rangers career, as Derek McInnes struggled to figure out his best XI.
Since then, though, the 24-year-old has really begun to find his feet, and has displayed his leadership qualities, not least with a double in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final win over Celtic.
Raskin still being at Ibrox was a scenario not many predicted, especially after an impressive World Cup with Belgium.
But in fairness to Raskin, he has really knuckled down despite not getting a move and together he and Neil look a quality double act.
Adam thinks that their performances will have a hidden impact, namely that the other midfielders in Rangers squad will step up their game to try and meet the standards of Neil and Raskin.
In quotes reported by the Daily Record, Adam said: "A central midfield of Dan Neil and Nico Raskin is at a very good level.
"Dan has Premier League experience. He’s a very good player and I could see what he was going to give Rangers.
“You have seen in the last few weeks how good a player Dan is. As for Nico, there was a lot of talk in the summer about his future after the World Cup. He had started for a Belgium team full of quality players.
“Together with Dan, that’s a strong combination – but it will also push the other midfielders on. You want that standard to be set and that’s what those boys have done."
Will Nicolas Raskin still be at Rangers after January?
Just because Raskin did not manage to get a move away in the summer does not necessarily mean the interest has gone.
The Belgian's contract runs out in June 2028, meaning Rangers are running out of opportunities to make decent cash on his sale.
It means there could be a scenario where Rangers face a genuine dilemma in the winter window.
Having Raskin in the squad undoubtedly increases the chances of challenging for the Scottish Premiership.
But holding on to him too long increases the possibility of his value depreciating, or even losing him on a free.
It could end up being a tricky decision, but for now the hope is that he can just keep continue building his partnership with Neil.