If you hired a world-leading scientist to build you a footballer tailor-made for those big European nights under the Ibrox lights, he’d come up with something along the lines of Ryan Jack.
Outstanding without the ball and intelligent with it, so many of Rangers’ continental successes in recent years – those iconic wins over Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Porto, Braga and Feyenoord – came with Ryan Jack doing what he does best in the centre of the pitch. The beating heart, pumping blood to every area while keeping Rangers ticking over reliably.
Unfortunately, performances such as this are becoming increasingly rare. Jack turns 31 in February. Since the start of last season, the former Aberdeen skipper has missed over 40 games in all competitions. What’s more, his contract also expires in less than 12 months’ time.
And, in many ways, it’s typical of Rangers’ recent track record in the transfer market that they have failed to put any real plan in place for life without an ageing, increasingly injury-prone player. One due to depart for nothing, as things stand, the summer of 2023.
But it’s not too late. January offers Rangers an opportunity to right the wrongs of previous windows, and give the under-fire Giovanni van Bronckhorst the backing he needs to turn things around.
Nicolas Raskin can help Rangers move on from Ryan Jack
Like Jack, Nicolas Raskin’s own contract is due to expire next July. And, while the former Belgium U21 international has spoken openly about his interest in signing an extension with Jupiler League outfit Standard Liege, DHNet reported recently that Raskin would also be tempted by a fresh start, Rangers are just one club eyeing up the £5 million-rated enforcer.
Raskin’s ‘pitbul’ moniker speaks volumes about what the tireless 21-year-old would bring to Van Bronckhorst’s side. Raskin is a bundle of boundless energy and enthusiasm; a ball-carrier and a ball-winner, a distributor and a destroyer.
His average of 3.3 successful tackles per game is far above any player currently at Ibrox (WhoScored). Jack, in contrast, averages just 1. James Sands; 1.3. Steven Davis; 0.9. Rangers, laborious and lackadaisical in recent months, are crying out for a player of Raskin’s mentality and aggression.
“The whole team was good but Nicolas Raskin was the Man of the Match in my eyes,” Standard’s former Celtic coach Ronny Deila said after Raskin scored in a recent 3-1 victory over Anderlecht; a trademark, all-action performance from this jack-of-all-trades, master-of-many.
“He was monstrous. We’re talking about a leader. His level is constantly evolving. I am proud of him because he has improved well. Before, he was a much more emotional player whereas now he is much calmer and more disciplined on the field.”
Equally effective in and out of possession, a ‘leader’ capable of dominating the midfield battle against high-quality opponents. Replacing Ryan Jack won’t be easy for Rangers, but Raskin’s potential availability means it’s far from impossible either.
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