Michael Beale might not have bought many players for Rangers in January, but in Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell, he acquired two who he can build the team around.
The Belgium Under-21 international is currently starring at the age group European Championships but has already shown the impact he can make for the Light Blues, becoming an early fans’ favourite in the process.
In fact, such has been Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin’s form this season that he has outperformed Real Madrid’s latest reported £115m signing Jude Bellingham, according to @DataMB.
How Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin measures up against Jude Bellingham
The player comparison site normally only has players from the top leagues, however, having started the season in Belgium, Raskin has slipped through the net.
Interestingly, as well as Bellingham, Raskin compares favourably with Rodri – widely regarded as one of European football’s players of the season.
Where the combative midfielder measures up well against Bellingham is in how proactive a player he is.
Forward passes, key passes, progressive passes and progressive runs, all the hallmarks of a textbook box-to-box midfielder and one who looks ahead of themselves, not just content to maintain possession.
When the Rangers man really stands out in comparison with Bellingham is for duels, with Nicolas Raskin winning a staggering 91% to the Real Madrid recruit’s 39.6%.
As midfield templates go, Jude Bellingham isn’t a bad one to aspire to.
Even at 19-years old, the England international has it all and will only get better with experience.
Although, he already has a staggering 200 games under his belt since making his debut for Birmingham City.
Rangers might not make £115m on Nicolas Raskin, but if he continues his current progress, the £1.75m reportedly paid to sign the 22-year old from Standard Liege is going to look like spare change.
