- Nico Raskin named in Belgium’s World Cup squad despite missing Rangers games through hamstring injury.
- Midfielder praised Danny Rohl’s stability, describing him as key to calming Rangers’ inconsistency.
- World Cup call-up intensifies speculation over Raskin’s Rangers future amid summer rebuild plans.
Nico Raskin has been named in Belgium’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, underlining his growing international reputation despite missing Rangers’ recent fixtures against Celtic and Hibs through injury.
The midfielder was sidelined with a hamstring issue during the closing stages of the domestic campaign.
A spell which coincided with heightened speculation around internal tensions at Ibrox following reports of a fallout involving manager Danny Rohl.
Those claims have not been substantiated, but Raskin’s absence came during a turbulent period for the club.
One which also saw a publicised row between Rohl and departing captain James Tavernier.
Nico Raskin backs Danny Rohl
Raskin, however, has previously offered a strong public endorsement of Rohl’s influence since arriving at Rangers, crediting the German for bringing stability to a volatile environment.
“I think the gaffer’s been the best guy at this period of time to stabilise the ship, to calm everyone down,” Raskin said to the Rangers Review.
“Rather than focusing on the cliched one game at a time, it is his long-term vision that is providing clarity.”
He added that Rohl’s emotional control has been a key factor in steadying performances within the squad.
“Over the last three years I’ve been here, there’s always been such ups and downs.
“Whether you win or lose one game.
“It was really refreshing to have someone who comes in, never gets carried away with the win, but never gets really low with a loss either.”
Nico Raskin secures Belgian World Cup place
Raskin’s international form has also been a significant factor in his World Cup selection.
The midfielder described an immediate comfort level within the Belgium setup.
A setup where he has been encouraged to play his natural game alongside some of Europe’s elite talent.
“You go to the national team thinking you have some good momentum. I didn’t arrive trying to be shy. I just went there trying to be me,” he said.
“A good connection directly with the manager, who said to me: ‘I really like what you’re doing at Rangers. Just come here and be you’. And the boys were great.”
Playing alongside world-class figures such as Kevin De Bruyne has further shaped his understanding of his role at international level.
“Players like De Bruyne, you know, you can give them the ball and they’ll just do something really good,” Raskin explained.
“When I go there, I don’t need to be scoring goals, I don’t need to be running forward. I just need to be me and try to be the best version of me as a defensive midfielder.”
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The 25-year-old’s call-up will be viewed as a positive marker of his development.
Even as uncertainty surrounds Rangers heading into the summer transfer window.
Raskin still has two years remaining on his Ibrox contract, but with his inclusion for the summer’s tournament now confirmed, Rangers will surely cash in on his rise this window.
For now, his focus shifts firmly to the international stage, where Belgium will hope his composure and tactical discipline can translate into tournament impact.
Back at Rangers, however, his absence in key end-of-season fixtures and the backdrop of managerial friction ensure his role in the club’s next phase will remain a subject of scrutiny.
