Rangers ace tipped by ex-teammate as man to steer them to league glory as timid youngster turns 'fiery' leader
The 55-winning Light Blues star saw early signs that his old teammate had what it takes
Former Rangers midfielder, Ryan Jack believes Nico Raskin could be the man to steer to them their first title since when he achieved the same feat five years ago.
The 34-year old was a key component of Steven Gerrard’s squad during the invincible league-winning campaign. He would hand the defensive midfield baton over to Raskin in 2024 when he left the club for Esenler Erokspor and claims for the 18 months he worked with the Belgian, he knew he had what it takes to wear the royal blue jersey.
Raskin has become a mainstay in midfield for Danny Rohl and has been a consistent performer for a number of seasons now. His performances in Glasgow have led to him being selected for his National Team, where he hasn’t looked out of place in a star-studded Belgium starting XI. In Rangers’ emphatic 6-3 win over Falkirk last weekend, Raskin was involved in three of the goals as he continues to play a huge role in their title quest.
When the Belgian signed as a 21-year old from Standard Liege, he kept himself to himself. Three years on, Jack believes his former teammate has evolved into an influential player in the middle of the park, who understands the standards of the club. With current skipper, James Tavernier’s contract set to expire in the summer and no indications of new deal talks, he could be the ideal candidate to wear the armband next.
Jack sees Raskin as future skipper
Speaking to the Daily Record, the former Scotland international recalled his first impressions of Raskin when he signed in 2023, claiming he’s significantly evolved as a player and as a leader in the dressing room since then. Jack said: “When Nico came in, you could tell straight away he was a top player. He had an engine, he covered the pitch and wanted to be everywhere.
“He was enthusiastic from the off. But when I watch him now at Rangers, I can see that he has properly grown into the role. At first, he was coming into a new league, different culture - with a big demand at Rangers so it was tough. But now? Towards the back of last season and this year - he’s been outstanding. Initially Nico was quite quiet, he had to settle in. Don’t get me wrong, in training, he’d still put himself about and fly into tackles. So you could see he had the personality to play with Rangers.
“He’s always had that fiery side, which I think you need playing in Scotland. Nico has that in abundance. When things get tough, he’s capable of driving the team on. I see him barking instructions on the pitch now, setting standards, putting demands on players. Towards the end of my time at Rangers, when I was moving on, I could see Nico develop that. He’s grown and grown. And for me as a Rangers fan, I’m just glad the club backed and trusted him at the start of this season because it looked for a spell like he could move on.”
Raskin as future club captain?
In spite of the disastrous spell of Russell Martin where Raskin found himself kicked of the team due to a feud, whether it be under Rohl or Philippe Clement, the Belgian has been a dependable figure in midfield. During 90 minutes, Raskin has been known to carry out instructions from the manager, give orders to teammates and make his point across to referees - adaptable personality qualities needed to be the Rangers skipper.
In a recent interview with the Rangers Review, Rohl described Raskin as his ‘guy on the pitch’ - essentially saying if something needs done, Raskin will do it. The Rangers boss claimed: “He’s my guy on the pitch when I need to make a tactical [change] - I bring him over when I have to tell him something. I’ve supported him from the first day and we’ve trusted each other.”
With a Tavernier exit in the summer growing more likely by the day, Rohl will have to keep on eye on next season as to who will charge them into battle for the 2026/27 campaign. Given his recent comments, Raskin looks to be the frontrunner.