Cyriel Dessers explains what 'obsessed' Rangers star has done to become main man
03/29/2025 05:00 AM
Rangers player trading model is almost a mythical concept which will only see more pressure placed on it once the safety net of guaranteed European football is no longer in place.
With over £20m from European football being added to the Ibrox coffers on an annual basis by going deep into continental competition, the money has to be found somewhere.
The San Francisco 49ers won’t affect the transfer budget in the short term even if the outgoing board looked for guarantees before passing the buck and handing over the reins.
The jewel in the Rangers squad crown is Nicolas Raskin after impressing for Belgium and drawing praise from pundits and media alike.
After looking like he could be surplus to requirements a year ago, Rangers’ star asset is now the first name on the teamsheet with one of his teammates explaining how the transformation has come about.
Cyriel Dessers on what Nicolas Raskin does behind the scenes
Cyriel Dessers missed out on a call to the Nigeria squad despite making the initial long list as a reward for his goalscoring return this season.
Born in Belgium, Dessers was asked about how Raskin has forced his way into international reckoning:
“Nico is a very relaxed guy, but really obsessed with the game. He is always busy with the video analysts and asks questions to the trainer. That shows his enormous winning mentality,” Dessers told Belgian media outlet Sporza.
“He is a fighter on the field and he likes to work hard, run a lot and play good matches. He also works out in the gym and is busy with his body. He is a true professional.”
If Raskin can’t learn from Barry Ferguson, the current interim Rangers manager, there is nobody he can learn from.
What has been the main difference to Raskin’s game?
Ferguson has worked with Raskin already doing one to one sessions, even though time on the Auchenhowie training ground has been limited after inheriting a busy fixture list.
One thing that has improved greatly in the 24-year old’s game, is that he is now controlling the tempo of games.
Against Ukraine, he was metronomic; moving the ball constantly and seeking out the various playmakers on the pitch, waiting for the right moment to play through defensive lines – there was a reason why he was man of the match for Belgium.
In recent games for Rangers, Raskin has been titanic in defence and aggressive in attack, getting his team on the front foot and driving his teammates forwards.
The former Standard Liege enforcer has the versatility needed to thrive in a top five league and maybe achieve his dream of playing in the Premier League.
