Nicolas Raskin
CM
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Feb 23, 2001 (25)
Right
5'10"
163 lb
Reliable in holding role
Raskin registered one tackle (zero won) in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Iran.
Analysis: Raskin delivered another composed and disciplined performance in Sunday's goalless draw with Iran, registering one tackle in a holding midfield role that provided Belgium with defensive structure. The midfielder continued to build on the positive impression he made coming off the bench against Egypt, and his reliable presence alongside Youri Tielemans gave the Belgian midfield a more solid defensive foundation than was evident in the first group game, even if the collective attacking output remained insufficient. His consistency and pressing intensity across both appearances have made the strongest possible case for a starting role against New Zealand, where Belgium will need a midfielder capable of winning the ball and immediately transitioning quickly to unlock a side that will attempt to defend deep.
Presses for starting role
Raskin recorded one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 1-1 draw against Egypt.
Analysis: Raskin came off the bench in the second half to replace Amadou Onana and immediately demonstrated the pressing intensity and ball-winning aggression that had been missing from Belgium's midfield throughout the first hour, registering two tackles and injecting a dynamism that helped his side control the final stages after Romelu Lukaku's equalizing impact. The midfielder's lively display stood in sharp contrast to Onana's more subdued performance and will force a genuine selection debate ahead of the Iran fixture, with Raskin making a strong case for a starting role in a match Belgium simply cannot afford to drop points in. His energy and physicality in central areas give Belgium an important alternative midfield profile, and his performance in Seattle showed that he has more than just a substitute role to fight for as the tournament progresses with Belgium.
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