Pre-season planning at Ibrox is already well underway, with Rangers expected to undergo another important reshaping of the squad under Danny Rohl as they attempt to close the gap on Celtic next season.
There is a growing belief among supporters that consistency, rather than raw talent, was the biggest issue last campaign. Too often, Rangers dropped points in matches they were expected to control, and that lack of control in midfield proved costly over the course of the season.
That is why attention has increasingly turned towards the players already within the squad who can provide stability, intensity and leadership in the middle of the park. And in that regard, one name continues to stand out above the rest at Ibrox.
In a squad still being fine-tuned, Rangers already have a midfielder who many believe is the benchmark for the entire league.
Rangers delivered with GOOD NEWS after club have already gotten €12m rated star on Transfermarkt SIGNED for the club – He’s better than every midfielder at Celtic
Nicolas Raskin has quietly developed into one of Rangers’ most important players since arriving from Standard Liège, and his influence in the middle of the pitch continues to grow with every passing season.
Back in January 2023, the Scottish giants made a shrewd move to sign the Belgian midfielder for just £1.5m, a fee that now looks like outstanding business given his rapid rise in value and importance at Ibrox.

Now valued at around €12m on Transfermarkt, Raskin has established himself as a key figure in Rangers’ midfield, combining energy, aggression and technical quality in a way that has made him indispensable to the team.
Since joining the club, the 25-year-old has produced 13 goals and 23 assists in 145 appearances across all competitions, numbers that highlight his growing impact in both defensive and attacking phases of play.
He also played a crucial role in helping Rangers secure the League Cup in the 2023/24 season, further cementing his reputation as a midfielder for the big occasion.
What makes Raskin so important for Rangers:
One of the biggest strengths in Raskin’s game is his ability to control the tempo of matches without needing to dominate possession.
He is not simply a ball-winner, nor just a creative outlet, but a complete box-to-box midfielder who contributes in all areas of the pitch.
His work rate allows Rangers to press higher up the field, while his composure on the ball helps them transition quickly from defence into attack.
At times during the season, when Rangers struggled for control in midfield battles, Raskin was often the player who provided the necessary bite and urgency to shift momentum back in their favour.
That level of influence has naturally led to growing recognition, with reports suggesting interest from elsewhere in Europe. However, Rangers remain in a strong position given his importance to the team and his long-term development at the club.
Better than Celtic’s midfield options?

While comparisons between Rangers and Celtic players are always subjective, Raskin’s consistency and all-round contributions have led many to argue he would walk into any midfield in the Scottish Premiership.
His ability to combine defensive work with end product gives him a profile that is rare in the league, particularly at his age.
Unlike many midfielders who excel in one specific area, Raskin impacts games in multiple phases, whether it is breaking up play, driving forward with the ball, or contributing in the final third.
That versatility is exactly why Rangers view him as a cornerstone of their squad moving forward.
Rangers’ long-term midfield future:
With further recruitment expected this summer, Raskin’s role becomes even more important as Rangers look to build a more balanced and dominant squad.
Rather than being replaced or overshadowed, he is increasingly seen as the standard that new signings must match or complement.
For Danny Rohl, having a midfielder of Raskin’s profile already in place is a significant advantage, especially in a league where midfield battles often decide titles.
If Rangers are to challenge Celtic more effectively next season, keeping Raskin at the peak of his influence could prove just as important as any new signing arriving at Ibrox.
And based on his current trajectory, his value — both on the pitch and in the market — is only going in one direction.