Nicolas Raskin has been a regular for Rangers this season, playing over 3,000 minutes from 39 games.
The defensive midfielder’s impressive displays for Rangers helped him make debut for Belgium last week. New manager Rudi Garcia handed Raskin his first start in the national team’s 3-0 win over Ukraine on Sunday.
Tuesday’s edition of Het Belang van Limburg covers comments from Rangers technical director Nils Koppen about the 24-year-old.
Before the international break, Raskin starred for the Scottish club by managing a goal and an assist in their 3-2 win over Celtic. The Rangers official insists his recent form have seen the club’s supporters view him as the best midfielder in Scotland.
“With his big warrior heart, he has made himself hugely popular with our fanbase,” he said.
“After his strong performances in the Old Firm against Celtic and in Europe against the likes of Man United, Tottenham and Fenerbahçe, he is seen by our supporters as the best midfielder in Scotland.”
The director isn’t surprised that the Rangers man received a call up for this international break and explains what makes him a ‘unique’ talent.
“He is different from the other midfielders in the national team,” Koppen explained.
“That combination of footballing qualities with a healthy aggression makes him a unique profile.”
According to the Rangers representative, the Belgium international has a profile similar to that of his compatriot and former Burnley midfielder, Steven Defour. He is also confident that Raskin will go on to be a regular for the national team in the long run.
“I have also made that comparison before. In terms of physique, playing style and mentality, he is indeed reminiscent of Defour. Especially now that he is increasingly appearing in the opponent’s box,” he added.
“His statistics were a point for improvement, but he has also made progress in that area this season.”
“He is also still only 24 years old. So, there is still some room for improvement in his potential. I’m therefore convinced that Raskin has a bright future ahead of him in the national team. He is a permanent fixture as a Rode Duivel.”
