If Rangers had a team full of Nicolas Raskin’s, they would probably be in better shape than they are currently in.
The diminutive Belgian has been reinstalled by the manager having been a peripheral member of the squad, but his latest man of the match display at Ibrox proves that he is back to his best.
Philippe Clement wasn’t happy with the performance against Hearts, however, there was nothing wrong with how Raskin played and the 23-year old has given a glimpse of the mentality that his Rangers teammates could do with sharing.
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Nicolas Raskin not giving up for Rangers
Nicolas Raskin has been the main driving force in Rangers midfield in recent weeks with Connor Barron proving to be a more than able assistant.
Speaking to Premier Sports after the game, Raskin is determined to keep fighting until the end of the season:
“No, we’re not feeling the pressure, we focus on ourselves, we take it game after game,” said Raskin.
“We know what we have to do, we know we’ve lost points, we know we need to get them back, but the season is still long.
We’re trying to take it game by game, and give our best.
“It’s not done yet.”
Who is hiding in Rangers midfield?
Raskin and Barron are dovetailing nicely, however, there is still an issue with the No.10 position.
Mohamed Diomande is a talented young footballer, and yet, Rangers have yet to see the best of the Ivory Coast international.
In his preferred attacking midfield role, Diomande has worked hard in his last two appearances, but not made the sort of impact that he is capable of.
Given his £4.3m fee, playing against the second bottom team in the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox should be the sort of game he dominates and dictates.
Using Data MB’s comparison model, it is clear to see where Diomande needs to improve.
It’s almost like he isn’t getting involved, when the ball does find him though, he has the ability to make something happen – he should start demanding the ball more and look to drive Rangers forward.
With Tom Lawrence out for several weeks and Clement, seemingly, with no intention of playing Ianis Hagi, Diomande must sieze the chance he has been presented with and follow in Raskin’s footsteps.
