- Nico Raskin will be a key player for Rangers and Belgium in the next few months
- Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has outlined where he sees Raskin playing in the summer
- If he plays well, will Rangers have trouble keeping him beyond the World Cup?
Rangers star man Nico Raskin will play an integral part for Belgium in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The Belgian star has been the glue holding everything together for Rangers as they quest to win the Premiership.
The Gers are three points off the top spot, Hearts, with seven games remaining in the league.
Raskin’s sole focus is currently on performing superbly for Rangers, just like he did against Aberdeen last weekend.
However, in the back of his mind will be the World Cup in Belgium, the ultimate stage for every footballer.
I spoke to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri about what Raskin brings to the Belgium team and where he sees him playing.
Has Raskin done enough to warrant a spot in the World Cup squad?
“Yes, for sure, he’s been in the first 11 and has done an important job to help the team qualify.”
“He’s somebody who wants to learn and often stays close to the more experienced players.”
He is surely going to the World Cup; there is not a lot of doubt in Belgium about his presence in the United States this summer.”
“There is a special relationship between Rudi Garcia and Nico Raskin; he made the difference in this key game against Ukraine, and that changed everything in his mind.”
Raskin offers all the tangibles to fit into any team, playing as a dogged midfielder that can break up the play.
I asked Tavolieri where he saw Raskin fitting into the Belgium team ahead of the World Cup.
“Yes, I seem him performing quite well, and for me, I see him in a starting role.”
“I see Raskin starting in the midfield next to Amadou Onana, with Youri Tielemans playing as the 10 and Kevin de Bruyne using the right-hand side.”
“Many other national team experts and I believe Raskin deserves a spot in the starting 11.”
“Raskin likes to pick up the ball very close to the defence and move the ball to his partner to start attacks, so he can create spaces and make passes.”
A testament to his ability
In a midfield with Onana and Tielemans, Raskin doesn’t look out of depth in a Premier League-stacked midfield.
He’s been Danny Rohl’s number one option in midfield and will play a crucial part in Rangers’ success this season.
The question lies in whether Rangers can keep Raskin beyond the World Cup if he plays well for Belgium.
For now, the focus is on playing his best for Rangers so he can perform at his maximum in the United States.
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It’s clear that, as Rangers fans do, the Belgium fans and experts hold Raskin in an equally high regard.
Raskin’s starting spot for Belgium is his to lose, so he needs to ensure he performs at his maximum in Scotland.
The Belgian star has the chance to make history with his club and country in the next few months.
Can the Gers keep him beyond the summer?
