By Lee Clark
Rangers’ new boy Nicolas Raskin has upset a section of fans this week after details of an interview with Belgian media outlet DH Net made its way across the continent. For those who haven’t seen it, Raskin spoke openly of his desire to one day play in the English Premier League, specifically for Chelsea and described Rangers and the Scottish League as a ‘good intermediate step’. To add context, Nico had been asked why he chose Scotland over offers from Genk and Club Brugge, a fairly important question, given he has played five times for his Country at Under-21 level, is regarded as one of their bright, young talents and the readership of that publication will be (you would imagine) almost exclusively Belgian. Even in isolation though, I’m struggling to see the problem with his comments? I appreciate there isn’t much for our fans to get excited about right now, as the team limps (quite literally given our injury list) to the end of a truly depressing season but, isn’t it refreshing and commendable that we not only have a talented young player showing some honesty but, who also has ambitions to play at the very top of the game? Of course, I’m well aware that Chelsea are a complete basket case right now but, even the most negative within our support must be able to work out that, for Raskin to have any chance of signing for them, it would require a sustained period of excellent displays for Rangers?
Keep in mind this is exactly the type of player trading model the Rangers support were promised by the now departed Sporting Director, not so long ago and to be completely frank, it’s what will need to actually happen going forward if we are to remain in profit and get back to winning the league titles on a regular basis. Allowing huge assets to star on the European stage, build their value to £10m+ and subsequently run down contracts to leave for nothing is absolutely criminal for a Club in our position and it’s no surprise new Chairman John Bennett and CEO James Bisgrove have already put their stamp on proceedings as the proverbial decks are cleared.
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Exactly what recruitment looks like going forward or, indeed how it’s conducted is unclear at this stage although there is evidence to suggest Michael Beale will be heavily involved and the Rangers boss, himself was quoted as saying he ‘loved’ recruitment and would be ‘on the road meeting players.’
Raskin, one of two signings made in January certainly seems to have settled well at Ibrox, playing the majority of games since he has come in. A combative midfielder, he has been an instant hit with the Rangers support as he injected some much-needed energy and drive to a team that looked devoid of ideas and stagnated under Gio Van Bronckhorst’s stewardship. He, along with Todd Cantwell, have been one of the few positives of a entirely forgetful season and its testament to Raskin that the majority of Rangers fans were praying he would be declared fit for the recent trip to Parkhead and play over much more seasoned and experienced players at the Club. Indeed, Raskin has already established himself, along with Cantwell as ever presents in the Rangers starting XI, with a couple of notable exclusions, in particular the League Cup Final capitulation, something Michael Beale later admitted, he had gotten wrong.
Against Aberdeen, Raskin started the game positively crunching into an early tackle deep in his own half before motoring forward to support a passage of play which resulted in Todd Cantwell firing a fierce shot just over. It was the sort of start the crowd needed on a slightly subdued day as these ‘dead-rubber’ matches often are. Unfortunately for the Rangers support, the energy levels and excitement never really picked up much more than that as the team eventually got over the line with one piece of magic from Todd Cantwell, volleying home James Tavernier’s deep corner in the second half. For Raskin, his own performance was similar that of the team, competent without being sparkling and probably lacked the sort of energy and ‘snap’ that has endeared him to the supporters so far. That being said, it wasn’t a poor performance by any means. He was always looking to receive a pass and with a pass completion rate of 93%, he did use the ball well in the 66 minutes he was on the field, before being replaced just after the winning goal. Raskin looked a bit disappointed to be coming off and I must admit, I thought he might have got more minutes today, something I think he needs. Since joining the club, he has averaged 69 minutes of the games he has played so hasn’t seen out the 90 too often. Last week, it was quite visible how much he dropped out of the game around the 60-minute mark, so clearly there is some work to be done, in getting him fully up to speed. That being said, we must remember the lad is only 22 and we, as Rangers fans can be guilty of heaping far too much pressure onto younger players. Of course, many will argue that it comes with the territory but, on a day where the Rangers manager spoke about certain attitudes, it’s clear that Raskin has impressed. I asked Michael Beale about the positive impact both he and Todd Cantwell have had on the squad, since arriving:
‘I think what’s happened with those two is the fans have seen fresh faces who have come in with a natural, infectious energy and I think that can be the best friend or worst nightmare for any football player. Both of them have come in and started their time at Rangers well but, they’ve achieved nothing yet. But everything is in front of them and I expect after a full pre-season, I expect them both to kick on another 10-15%. It’s ok winning ‘Man of the Matches’ and playing well at this stage of the season but, you’ve got to do it on the big days. But the freedom Todd has played with and how tenacious Nico is, has certainly given us some new ideas as a team and I’ll certainly be looking for guys to come and start (games) in the way those two have.’
Rangers now go into the Old Firm match next week with one final chance to restore a little bit of pride. I for one am absolutely sick of hearing ‘if only we hadn’t missed that sitter or gifted them a goal, we would’ve won’. It has now been nine games since we got one over on them and ‘meaningless’ or not, a strong finish to the season could just about restore a little bit of optimism. The new Chairman and CEO have started their tenure strongly and in a positive way. It’s now time for them to back the manager to ensure next season’s team, can do the same.
Lee Clark
