Gennaro Gattuso featured at Ibrox in the budding days of his illustrious career.
If Nicolas Raskin can go on to become anything remotely like the Italian on the pitch, the 22-year-old will be on to a winner.
Roberto Martinez has drawn comparisons between Raskin and Gattuso in terms of their styles on the pitch.
Tough in the tackle, dynamic on the ball, and the ability to go from box to box, it’s easy to see where the former Everton manager is coming from.
He’s praised Rangers for their proactiveness in capturing the Belgian midfielder because he could well go on to play in one of Europe’s top leagues in the future.
“Firstly, I think it is a very clever signing,” the Portugal boss explained. “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.
“The personality Nicolas has, he is a fighter, a winner, a great competitor. I loved working with him. I only worked with him at one stage and it was because of the personality that he brings.
“It reminds me of another former Rangers player, Gattuso. He’s got that dynamic approach being a number 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. 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 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.”
Martinez may have moved on from his role with the Belgium national team, but the 49-year-old will keep a keen eye on Raskin’s progress.
And the ex-Motherwell player reckons the midfielder isn’t far off a call-up for the Belgian A-team.
He added: “I think he’s very, very close. Very close because in the lists of the federation, he was always one of the big potentials at that time. It was Amadou Onana and Raskin in the Under 21s as the two midfielders.
“Onana moved to Lille and then moved to Everton, accelerating his time. But probably the normal step will be the Under 21s European Championships this summer and then the doors are open for the first team.
“I don't see too much longer if he carries on being important for Rangers he’ll have a great chance.”
Roberto Martinez spoke during his guest appearance at the 26th annual Beatson Cancer Charity’s Sporting Dinner in Glasgow. A total of £138,643.43 was raised. You can support the charity HERE.
