Rangers: Three players singled out for their recent performances

Former Rangers player Brian Laudrup believes that Nicolas Raskin is ready to take the team to new heights. However, he also thinks that three players need to improve their game after a derby day defeat.

Michael Beale watched his team lose 3-2 at Parkhead and slip 12 points behind rivals Celtic in the league title race for the second season running. Laudrup feels that Ryan Kent, Malik Tillman, and Todd Cantwell let their side down with their work off the ball.

Laudrup wrote in his Daily Mail column: “The problem comes when your attacking midfield players are better without the ball than with it… More will be required at Hampden.” He added that if Beale can match front-foot energy with more creative spark, then they have a good chance of winning the semi-final.

Looking on the bright side though, January addition Raskin impressed again and Laudrup reckons he’s the future of Ibrox midfield. The Belgian put down an early marker in his Ibrox career during Saturday’s Old Firm clash.

Rangers were much better in midfield against Celtic compared to their League Cup final loss earlier this year and Raskin was a big part of that development. His ability to pick out a pass under pressure and turn away from opponents impressed Laudrup who said “these are games where you can make proper judgments about Rangers players.“