Can Nicolas Raskin Fill Void Left by Barry Ferguson at Rangers?
Glasgow Rangers have struggled to replace club legend Barry Ferguson since his departure in 2009. The former captain made over 300 appearances for the club across two spells, leading them to five league titles and ten cups, including a historic UEFA Cup final appearance.
Many midfielders have tried and failed to fill the void left by Ferguson. However, under new manager Michael Beale, Rangers may have finally found their heir in 22-year-old Nicolas Raskin.
Former Rangers midfielder Thomas Buffel, who played with Ferguson, believes Raskin possesses similar qualities to the decorated captain.
"“If I had to choose one player who Nico reminds me of, it would be Barry Ferguson,” Buffel said. “It’s difficult to say this because I know what Barry means to Rangers, but as a midfielder, [Nicolas Raskin] has the same football qualities. There’s the determination and physical qualities, the desire to fight for the win. And he can go forward and score goals, which Barry could do also.”"
Raskin has impressed in his short time at Ibrox, particularly in Rangers’ recent Old Firm defeat. Joshua Barrie called the Belgian midfielder a “stand-out” in the match.
In just five league games, Raskin is averaging 51 touches per game with an 86% pass completion rate, exhibiting the control and distribution that characterized Ferguson.
Raskin can also attack and defend, succeeding on 75% of his dribbles while making two tackles per game.
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While it’s too early to burden Nicolas Raskin with comparisons to a club legend, early signs suggest he has the potential to fill the void left by Ferguson in 2009.
Raskin has displayed the attributes of a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder that Rangers have lacked for over a decade. If he continues to develop, Raskin may emerge as a Ferguson-esque leader and help restore Rangers to their former glory.