Rudi Garcia’s decision to build around Nicolas Raskin in Belgium’s biggest games has become one of the clearest signs of how highly the midfielder is now rated. According to Het Nieuwsblad, Garcia treated Raskin as a certain starter in the defensive midfield role even while leaving Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku on the bench before Belgium beat the USA 4-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup last-16.
That is a striking vote of confidence for a player who only made his senior Belgium debut on 20 March 2025. Raskin came on as a late substitute in a UEFA Nations League play-off fixture against Ukraine, and Belgium lost 3-1. Since then, Garcia has started him in 11 of Belgium's following 17 games in all competitions.
Why Garcia trusted Raskin
The key detail is not just that Raskin played, but where he played. Belgium viewed him as a defensive midfield anchor, a player trusted to provide structure rather than flash. Before the USA match, Garcia finalized his starting lineup right up against regulatory registration deadlines, yet Raskin still remained central to the plan. That suggests his role was not a marginal one. It was built into the team’s structure.
Against the United States, Raskin played 89 minutes and provided a critical assist. In a knockout match where Belgium could have leaned on bigger names, Garcia instead kept faith with a player who has become one of the team’s most dependable pieces.
What it means for Rangers
The national team usage matters beyond Belgium. Rangers are in a strong negotiating position because Belgium now views Raskin as a mandatory structural pillar. The club are said to be seeking more than £20m for him, and that valuation makes more sense when a coach is willing to start him ahead of global stars in a World Cup knockout match.
European interest is already building, with Atalanta, Bologna and Real Betis all linked with Raskin. For Rangers, that creates a straightforward equation: the stronger Belgium’s faith in him becomes, the stronger their case for a major fee.
Raskin’s rise has been steady rather than sudden, but the latest selection call underlines how far he has come. Belgium did not just use him in a big game. They trusted him to help shape the game.
