For many reasons, Rangers’ Scottish Cup final loss to Celtic was as disappointing as it was frustrating: poor officiating calls, missed opportunities in the closing third, and Jack Butland, the one player Philippe Clement can truly rely on, costing his team a goal.
Despite having a sound tactical plan, everything that could go wrong did.
The manager’s choice of players to execute the game plan was largely responsible for its success; one Rangers player in particular performed well enough against Celtic to support his selection.
Nicolas Raskin shows Rangers class despite Celtic defeat
John Lundstram’s tenure at Parkhead appeared to be coming to an end when he turned in the poorest performance of the season.
Nicolas Raskin was left on the squad because Clement determined that the 30-year-old midfielder wasn’t deserving of the starting position in the cup final.
Only a few weeks ago, the manager gave an explanation for why the Belgian wasn’t even included in the squad for the Ibrox derby.
It has been a year and a half since the Belgian joined Rangers. It’s not like Nico is acting badly right now or anything. Nope. It is a labor of love for him.
“I see him changing as well. Compared to when I saw him in October, he is better. He plays the game better. However, there is also increased rivalry.
A top squad needs that in order to play well and win a lot of games. Every time the two teams have faced off, Celtic’s midfield has been swifter, more aggressive, and more in charge for years.
Although Rangers gave their Old Firm rivals the majority of the ball in the first half, they were unquestionably superior in the second half, with Raskin at the heart of everything that went well.
A large portion of Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate’s anonymity was due to Raskin and Mohamed Diomande’s efforts.
Rangers appeared more intelligent, responded to second balls more quickly, and launched counterattacks for once.
Raskin proves his point ahead of summer rebuild
Raskin will never be able to play the passes that the Northern Ireland great did because he just lacks the passing range and poise of Davis. He does, however, propel the team ahead in an alternative manner.
Although the 23-year-old isn’t the kind to control the pace of a game, he will put Rangers ahead if players are in front of him who can control play.
Despite the fact that Clement’s team was defeated, his choice to substitute Raskin for Lundstram provided him with the template for creating trouble for Celtic.
The small Belgian is deserving of a spot on the team for the upcoming campaign, especially with so many more serious issues facing the group.
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