In a breathtaking Scottish Premiership encounter at Falkirk Stadium, Rangers staged a remarkable second-half resurgence to secure a vital 6-3 victory, with midfielder Nico Raskin emerging as the catalyst for their stunning turnaround. The Belgian international, once sidelined and criticised, delivered a performance that underscored his growing influence under manager Danny Rohl.
From Exile to Excellence: Raskin's Redemption Arc
Raskin's journey this season has been nothing short of dramatic. Under previous manager Russell Martin, he was dropped from the squad amid speculation his head had been turned by transfer interest, even missing the Old Firm derby against Celtic in August. Fans voiced their support for the player during that period, singing his name at Ibrox, signalling where their loyalties lay in the dispute.
However, Raskin's revival was not immediate. A poor display in a 2-1 loss to Hearts just before Christmas drew fierce criticism from supporters on social media and radio shows, with his £25 million summer valuation seeming laughable at the time. Yet, under Rohl's guidance since October, Raskin has become indispensable, playing more minutes than any other outfield player at the club.
Turning the Tide at Falkirk
The match against Falkirk epitomised Rangers' season—a chaotic lurch from woeful to wonderful. Trailing 2-0 shortly before half-time, Rangers seemed destined for defeat. But an explosive burst of four goals in just 16 minutes either side of the break transformed the contest, with Raskin at the heart of the comeback.
His moment of brilliance came midway through the second half. Picking up the ball deep in midfield, Raskin embarked on a powerful driving run before firing a low shot into the bottom corner to put Rangers 3-2 ahead. The goal not only swung momentum decisively but also ignited chants of his name from the travelling supporters, who hadn't sung with such gusto since the early season.
Raskin's influence extended beyond his goal. He consistently collected possession from defenders, surged forward, and displayed burgeoning leadership qualities. Alongside captain James Tavernier, he led a crucial half-time inquest in the dressing room, rallying the team to their eventual 6-3 triumph.
Rohl's Trust and Tactical Importance
Manager Danny Rohl has placed immense faith in Raskin, describing him as his "on-field lieutenant." Speaking after the match, Rohl emphasised their mutual trust, noting, "I've supported him from the first day and we've trusted each other. There's a reason why since I've been here Nico has played nearly every minute on the pitch."
Rohl relies on Raskin for mid-game tactical instructions, utilising him as a conduit to the rest of the team. "He's my guy on the pitch when I need to do a tactical part—I bring him out when I have to tell him something," Rohl explained. He also praised Raskin's box-to-box capabilities while highlighting the need for defensive balance.
Teammate Bojan Miovski echoed the sentiment, calling Raskin "a fantastic player, a great character" and acknowledging his experience with the Belgian national team as a key asset.
Title Implications and Future Prospects
The victory propelled Rangers back to within a point of league leaders Hearts, injecting fresh momentum into their title challenge. Rohl's side has been in prolific form, netting 14 goals in their last three league matches, with Raskin's resurgence mirroring the team's overall improvement.
At 25 years old, Raskin is entering his peak years, and his performances have reignited discussions about his market value. Previously tagged at £25 million—a figure deemed inflated—his current form as arguably the best midfielder in Scotland, coupled with his status as a Belgian international with World Cup prospects, could make that valuation seem reasonable if he helps secure a league title.
Rangers' history of failing to capitalise on valuable assets, such as Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos leaving on free transfers, underscores the importance of a functional player-trading model. With Raskin under contract until 2028, a successful season could present a prime opportunity for the club to generate significant funds, especially as Rohl seeks resources to bolster European competitiveness beyond the £16 million from a recent share issue.
Raskin's story—from exile to essential—encapsulates Rangers' turbulent yet promising campaign. As they chase silverware, his leadership, skill, and newfound consistency may prove decisive in the title race, offering both immediate rewards and long-term financial benefits for the Ibrox club.
