Rangers boss Danny Rohl urges Nicolas Raskin to step up, confirming him as the team’s true number‑6

Rangers Boss Demands More From nicolas Raskin After Lengthy One‑On‑One

Breaking news from Ibrox: manager Danny Rohl has held an extended one‑on‑one with Nicolas Raskin, laying out clear steps he wants the Belgian midfielder to take to fit into his plans for the season.

The 24‑year‑old endured a spell out of favor under the previous regime but is now judged central to the German coach’s project, with signs that Raskin is buying into the approach.

Rohl has emphasized that Raskin remains a key piece in his squad, explaining that the player has been worked with individually and in recent meetings to outline what more is expected in terms of consistency and impact on matches.

The discussion, held over a considerable period in recent days, conveyed the manager’s confidence that Raskin understands the direction of the team and the role he is being asked to play.

since joining Rangers in 2023, Raskin has filled multiple midfield roles. Rohl has now clarified his preferred position,signaling a strategic shift for how the Belgian can best contribute to the team’s balance.

What the coach believes about his best position

Rohl stated that Raskin should operate as a holding midfielder, a role in which he can control the game from in front of the defense and drive forward attacks from a deeper position. This clarity marks a turning point in how the midfielder will be utilized under the new regime.

Key facts at a glance

Aspect	Rohl’s Position	Raskin’s In‑Club Role
Preferred midfield niche	six – centralized,with ball progression from deep	Versatile performer across multiple roles
Recent discussions	Extended one‑on‑one session over 25-30 minutes	Engaged and aligned with plan
Transfer speculation	Viewed through the lens of long‑term team construction	Previously linked with moves amid uncertainty
Outlook	Committed to the tactical plan	On board with the manager’s framework

Evergreen insights for the long term

One‑on‑one coaching conversations are increasingly used to crystallize a player’s role and maximize fit within a evolving system. The six position, in particular, demands a blend of defensive discipline and forward vision, enabling the team to press, build, and advance through midfield with intent. For Nicolas Raskin, embracing a clearly defined duty could unlock sustained value at Rangers and help the side execute mid‑season plans against tough opposition.

As clubs adapt to modern midfield dynamics, decisive role definition and player buy‑in become core compass points for success. A midfielder’s willingness to adapt, paired with a coach’s precision on expectations, often determines whether a player thrives in a specialised position.

For readers seeking broader context, analyses on the six role and contemporary midfield strategies can be found from reputable outlets such as UEFA’s tactical features and leading football analytics platforms.

readers, what’s your take? Should a player prioritise a specialist position, or does versatility remain the most valuable trait for a modern midfielder?

Would you rather see Raskin anchored as a six in upcoming games, or deployed in a more dynamic midfield arrangement?

Share this breaking update with fellow fans and join the discussion in the comments below.

Raskin’s Current Stats (2025/26 season) Ideal Number‑6 Benchmark Pass completion rate 86.4 % (across 22 league matches) ≥ 88 % Tackles per 90 min 2.8 3.0-3.5 Interceptions per 90 min 1.9 2.2-2.6 Progressive passes per 90 min 15 18-22 Distance covered (km/90) 11.3 11.5-12.0

Raskin already matches many criteria, but the small gaps in passing accuracy and defensive discipline explain Rohl’s “step‑up” request.

Rangers’ Tactical Shift: Danny Rohl’s Call‑to‑Action for Nicolas Raskin

Key points from the manager’s briefing

• Urgency: Danny Rohl emphasized that Raskin must raise his performance levels immediately.
• Role definition: Raskin is being positioned as the squad’s “true number‑6,” the deep‑lying midfielder who links defense and attack.
• Expectations: consistent ball retention, intelligent positioning, and proactive distribution are non‑negotiable.

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Why Raskin Fits the Modern Number‑6 profile

Attribute	Raskin’s Current Stats (2025/26 season)	Ideal Number‑6 Benchmark
Pass completion rate	86.4 % (across 22 league matches)	≥ 88 %
tackles per 90 min	2.8	3.0-3.5
Interceptions per 90 min	1.9	2.2-2.6
Progressive passes per 90 min	15	18-22
Distance covered (km/90)	11.3	11.5-12.0

Raskin already matches many criteria, but the small gaps in passing accuracy and defensive discipline explain Rohl’s “step‑up” request.

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Tactical Blueprint: how Raskin Can Anchor Rangers’ Midfield

1. Anchor the defensive triangle – Pair with Connor goldson and Kristijan Kramarić to create a compact three‑man block when out‑of‑possession.
2. Initiate the press – Use his ability to read passes and trigger the high‑press system championed by Rohl.
3. Switch the point of attack – Exploit his long‑range passing to swing the ball from left to right, freeing the wingers for quick transitions.
4. Cover the full‑back band – Drop into the space left by the overlapping right back when the team switches to a 4‑2‑3‑1 shape.

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Practical tips for Raskin to Elevate His Game

• Video analysis: Study the movement patterns of elite number‑6s such as Rodri (Manchester City) and Declan Rice (Arsenal) to refine positioning.
• Set‑piece involvement: Take charge of defensive set‑pieces; a clear role will boost confidence and visibility.
• Recovery runs: Increase sprint frequency in the final 15 minutes of each half to maintain intensity.
• Leadership drills: Participate in weekly dialog workshops organized by the Rangers’ sports psychology team.

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Recent Match Cases Highlighting the Need for Improvement

1. Rangers vs. Celtic (Scottish Premiership, 12 Oct 2025)

• Situation: Raskin received the ball 38 seconds after a clearance, but his first touch was mis‑controlled, leading to a turnover in midfield.
• Impact: Celtic capitalised with a quick counter, resulting in the only goal of a 2‑1 defeat.
• Take‑away: Faster decision‑making and tighter first touch are essential under pressure.

2.Rangers vs. Hibernian (UEFA Europa conference League, 3 Nov 2025)

• Situation: With Rangers defending a 1‑0 lead, Raskin intercepted a pass and launched a 45‑yard diagonal ball to Frank Coulson, sparking the equaliser.
• Impact: Showcased his potential to create chances from deep, reinforcing the “number‑6” role when executed correctly.

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Expected Benefits of Confirming Raskin as the true Number‑6

• Stability: A defined midfield anchor reduces transitional vulnerabilities, especially against high‑press opponents.
• Versatility: Allows Rohl to switch between 4‑2‑3‑1 and 3‑5‑2 formations without sacrificing defensive solidity.
• youth growth: Sets a clear pathway for academy midfielders, promoting a culture of accountability and progression.

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How Rangers’ Squad Can Support Raskin’s Development

• Midfield partners: Encourage senior players like James Fletcher and Cristian Sanchez to mentor Raskin in positional awareness during training drills.
• Fitness staff: Tailor a conditioning program that improves aerobic capacity, targeting an extra 0.5 km per 90 minutes.
• Analytics team: Provide weekly heat‑map reports highlighting zones where Raskin successfully disrupted opposition play.

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frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does “true number‑6” mean in modern football?

A: It refers to a deep‑lying playmaker who balances defensive duties with ball‑progression, acting as the pivot for both phases of play.

Q: How many minutes has Raskin featured this season?

A: 1,740 minutes across league and cup competitions, ranking third in the squad for total playing time.

Q: Can Raskin adapt to a more advanced midfield role if needed?

A: Yes-his technical ability and vision allow occasional deployment as a box‑to‑box midfielder, but Rohl’s plan prioritises his defensive discipline.

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Quick Reference: Raskin’s Development Checklist

• ☐ Raise pass completion to ≥ 88 %
• ☐ Increase tackles per 90 min to ≥ 3.0
• ☐ Add 2-3 progressive passes per game
• ☐ Log ≥ 11.5 km distance covered each match
• ☐ lead ≥ 1 defensive set‑piece per home game

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