Former Rangers Midfielder Points Out Real Reason Behind Recent Success

At the start of the new season, a number of doubts popped up regarding Rangers' summer rebuild, as they brought in a total of 14 new players during this transfer window.

It almost felt like a completely new squad managed by the Gers' newly appointed manager, Derek McInnes.

The Teddy Bears, as expected, were off to a slow start, but McInnes has seemingly jotted down a near-perfect system for the players to perform at their highest levels.

Midfield is undoubtedly an area where the Gers made a significant improvement, as the duo of Dan Neil and Nicolas Raskin played a key role in their recent back-to-back victories against Celtic.

Both Neil and Raskin had a shaky start to the season. Following his appointment as the new vice-captain of the squad, a lot of questions were being asked regarding Neil's credibility after subsequent unconvincing displays.

Raskin was highly linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer, resulting in a massive dip in the Belgian's form.

Now with six wins on the trot, Rangers are certainly in a far better position than they were a month ago, and former midfielder Charlie Adam was quick to credit the Light Blues' central-midfield duo for the recent exploits.

Adam talked about the positive impact of the Gers' midfield (h/t Rangers Review), saying, "Central midfield with Dan Neil and Nico Raskin is at a very good level. Dan has Premier League experience. He’s a very good player, and I could see what he was going to give Rangers,

"Dan was at a big club in Sunderland, but it’s a big step up going to Ibrox. Everyone expects you to hit the ground running quickly, but it can take a bit of time to get used to it and settle in. You have seen in the last few weeks how good a player Dan is."

The former Rangers man also added, "Together with Dan, that’s a strong combination – but it will also push the other midfielders on. You want that standard to be set, and that’s what those boys have done."

As explained by Adam, it is never easy to come into a completely new setting and perform at the optimum level right away.

However, the Gers vice-captain's recent displays against Celtic prior to the international break have certainly silenced his critics for now, and the Ibrox faithful have already found a new name to sing.

Neil scored twice during the Light Blues' 3-0 win over the Celts at Ibrox in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final. He also marshalled the midfield brilliantly against the Hoops at Celtic Park, closing the gap in the Scottish Premiership to just two points before the international break.

On the other hand, Neil's midfield partner Raskin has also seemingly made up his mind to help out the Gers in their quest to end their trophy drought this season before taking up a new challenge elsewhere next season.

After a brief break, the duo return to action this Saturday, when the Gers take on Kilmarnock in the Premiership as McInnes and his men look to continue their winning run.