Ferguson insists Gers clone can play at 'highest level' after rubbing shoulders with greats
03/28/2025 07:17 AM
Former Rangers and Scotland midfielder Barry Ferguson knows what it takes to play at the highest level.
The former Rangers captain stood shoulder-to-shoulder with internationals from across the globe in some of the best Ibrox teams of the modern era.
Ferguson also came up against Steven Gerrard whilst plying his trade in England, the former Ibrox skipper himself one of the best British midfielders of his generation.
Barry Ferguson even led a struggling Scotland side, almost captaining the team to a famous Euros qualification against France and Italy in 2008.
It's fair to say that Fergie knows a top player when he sees one and in the Rangers squad, the interim Rangers manager has identified one player who can go to the very top.
'Nicolas Raskin has potential to play at highest level'
Nicolas Raskin has had an impressive season at Rangers and the midfielder earned his first call-up to the Belgium national team squad this March.
Raskin dumped Celtic's Arne Engels from the squad and went on to play in both of Belgium's UEFA Nations League clashes with Ukraine.
Earning his first start in the second leg, Raskin earned the praise of Belgium fans with the Belgian press also hailing Nico as a stand-out performer.
Former Rangers striker Rory Loy reckons Ferguson's influence on Raskin is clear to see.
The Gers boss knows the qualities that Raskin possesses and speaking about the 24-year-old's progress, the interim Rangers manager reckons the midfielder can go right to the top.
But when it comes to what happens next, Fergie reckons it's all about how the kid applies himself from here on in.
"He did alright didn't he? I got asked the question a couple of weeks ago about Nico," Barry told the press ahead of Dundee.
"Nico's got the potential to play at the highest level but he needs to understand that he's still got a few things that he has to work on and he has to learn and if he does that then what a chance he's got. He's 24. His best years are still in front on him.
"Since I've come in he's been top class for me, but he has to continue that. It's not a case of going away and playing with his national team, it was great to see him get his first start, I was absolutely delighted but now it's about bettering that."
Barry Ferguson hints Nicolas Raskin still has room to grow at Rangers
Naturally, Raskin's performance for Belgium has had some asking the question over the midfielder's Rangers future.
It's a sizeable achievement to break into the Belgium team β amongst the most talented and valuable in Europe β whilst plying your trade in Scotland.
The fact Belgian media suggested Raskin keep Aston Villa pair Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans out of the side, who between them have commanded Β£90m in fees, speaks volumes of the player's potential.
As does the fact Nico was rubbing shoulders with greatness in the shape of Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku during the international fortnight.
Rangers must sign Raskin on a new contract or risk losing the player this summer, having joined the Gers in an Β£800k deal back in the January of 2023.
With Nico out of contract in the summer of 2027, Rangers have a big decision to make if they cannot agree terms but Ferguson is convinced Ibrox is the best place for the midfielder right now.
The midfielder is a player very much in the Ferguson mould and with Rangers devoid of leaders, they'd do well to keep hold of their number 43.
"He comes back here, he has to produce those performances for me and I'm sure if he does that he'll become a regular in the Belgian National team," Ferguson said.
"You've got to try and learn off (the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin de Bruyne), you're right. These guys have played at the highest level for many, many years. Also when he comes back here. He's got a good coaching staff that will keep driving him on and he's got good players alongside him.
"The key for Nico, he has to understand that it's not just a case of being happy that he's made that first appearance. He's got to have the drive and determination to go and make 50, 60, 70 appearances for his national team but he also has to understand that he needs to produce those performances week in, week out at Rangers."
