If Rangers were looking for a glowing reference for Nicolas Raskin, they have certainly received one from former Standard manager, Luka Elsner.
The Slovenian coach is well placed to deliver an informed opinion on the latest continental recruit to Ibrox given that he was in charge of him for most of last season in the Jupiler League.
Elsner was and remains an admirer of Raskin, believing that his switch to Glasgow can propel him to the next level, in line with his expected progression.
In an informative and interesting piece with Joshua Barrie of the Rangers Review, Elsner added to the exciting first impressions that were delivered in his brief cameo against Ross County last Saturday. In that game, the young Belgian was positive and bold in his possession in what was only a small glimpse of what is to follow:
“He is a big fighter on the field, being a leader in terms of the energy he brings on the pitch. It comes naturally because of his charisma.”
“Nico is able to bring fire to a game by himself and always gives his best. For me, those are the qualities that stand out and make him some kind of special player.”
Impact
Elsner also reiterated that Raskin should not be expected to be the dominant figure sitting in front of the defence, in that his game requires much more freedom in order to unlock his full array of skills. He continued:
“He is not a sitting, holding midfielder like Sergio Busquets. That doesn’t define him. I think he needs to be able to move forwards. He can work in a double pivot. But needs to be a guy who can be one step further, and is also able to get on the ball a bit higher in the final third.”
“Defensively, he also needs freedom to go and press higher. His game doesn’t function well when everything is static. He’s strong in the transitions as well. I would see him more as a No.8 than a No.6 but I don’t expect him to be in trouble if he plays in a double-pivot.”
The full article is a recommended read in what will only add to the anticipation around the player who we should see much more of, at the weekend. The Scottish Cup tie at home to Partick Thistle represents a fantastic chance to get more game time into his legs, bearing in mind that only Livingston away will follow before the League Cup showdown at the end of the month against Celtic.
That massive game is one that Nicolas Raskin will have one eye on. It will not come too early for him but he will need to prove his case very soon in order to play a meaningful role at Hampden.