Roberto Martinez has labelled Rangers' capture of Nicolas Raskin as 'very clever' as he compared the midfielder to Rino Gattuso.
Michael Beale moved to land the former Standard Liege midfielder as part of his January recruitment alongside Todd Cantwell as the Light Blues get set for a massive summer overhaul. The two winter additions will play a key role in the Ibrox midfield going forward and former Belgium and now Portugal boss Martinez reckons his capture is fantastic for Rangers as he is 'highly rated' by all top European clubs.
The 22-year-old has already made a strong impression on the Ibrox faithful with his key attributes of being a fighter, winner and great competitor all highlighted. At a young age the potential and growth is something that excites Martinez who believes he could be a top midfielder at European level.
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On Beale's shrewd piece of business, he said: “Firstly, I think it is a very clever signing, a fantastic signing for Rangers.
“It's a clever signing because he's a player that was highly rated by all the top European clubs and I think Rangers were very quick in the acquisition and that shows always a good structure, a good recruitment department and being ahead of the trends.
“You need to be proactive to sign players like this. Nicolas was a standout at Standard Liege and all the teams were following him. Rangers were prepared to take a risk and take the player a lot earlier because he was finishing his contract at the end of the season.
“He is one of those proactive signings that could be important for both sides. He has the potential to be a top midfielder at European level and if that development happens at Rangers, then Rangers will benefit.”
He continued: “The personality Nicolas has, he is a fighter, a winner, a great competitor. We called him up into the senior squad and I loved working with Nicolas. I only worked with him in one stage and it was because of the personality that he brings.
“It reminds me of another former Rangers player, Rino Gattuso. He’s got that dynamic approach being a No.8 that he can be box to box, but he’s got the quality when he gets on the ball and nothing fazes him.
“I don't think every player, or every foreign player, can play for the Old Firm. But Nicolas, without a doubt, is perfectly fitted for that role. And then another aspect that I was always looking for as a national team coach is that he is left-footed.
“In midfield to have that balance of having a left footer and someone that is competitive, someone that can go in any ground in any big tournament and not never be fazed, I think it's been a very intelligent signing.
“I can only see him growing and the potential that he has if he develops the full potential, it will help Rangers and it will help himself.”
Roberto Martinez spoke during his guest appearance at Beatson Cancer Charity’s annual Sporting Dinner in Glasgow, which raised £138,000.
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