“Rangers’ £6M Blunder: They Let Go of the ‘Left-Footed Yaya Toure’ Who Could’ve Turned Ibrox Into a Fortress!”

Can Europe Reignite Rangers’ Season?

Rangers return to their favourite stage this week as the Europa League anthem rings out at Ibrox.

The Light Blues have long had a love affair with Thursday night football, having reached the final as recently as 2022, and their run to the quarter-finals last season reminded supporters of their ability to thrive in continental competition.

The timing could not be more critical. Russell Martin’s reign has started in dismal fashion, with Rangers failing to win a Premiership game in their opening five attempts – their worst domestic start since 1978.

That run leaves them sitting second-bottom of the table and has triggered widespread anger among fans.

A 2-0 League Cup quarter-final victory over Hibernian at the weekend at least provided temporary relief, not least because it sets up a blockbuster semi-final against Celtic in November. For now, it has kept Martin in the dugout, but his position remains precarious.

Their Europa League group offers glamour and difficulty in equal measure. Genk arrive in Glasgow for the opener, with Roma, Braga and Ludogorets Razgrad also due at Ibrox. Away trips include visits to Porto, Sturm Graz, Brann and Ferencváros.

For a side under pressure domestically, Europe represents both an escape and a chance to rebuild belief.

The Nicolas Raskin Factor

Central to that revival is Nicolas Raskin. The Belgian midfielder was Rangers’ standout player last season, sweeping both the Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Year awards.

His energy, control and ability to dictate games made him indispensable, yet Russell Martin’s early decisions baffled supporters.

Raskin was dropped for Champions League qualifiers against Viktoria Plzeň and Club Brugge, and then completely omitted from the squads against Celtic and Hearts.

Pundit Darrell Currie captured the mood by questioning how any manager could justify leaving the team’s best player “in the stand.”

The midfielder’s reinstatement against Hibs underlined his importance. He scored the opener and produced a commanding display, proving beyond doubt that he is undroppable.

If Rangers are to compete in Europe and rescue their league campaign, Raskin must be the heartbeat of the side, likely anchoring midfield with Mohamed Diomandé.

Remembering Joe Aribo

While Raskin offers hope for the present, Rangers’ struggles also highlight what they have lost. Joe Aribo, once hailed as the “left-footed Yaya Touré,” joined from Charlton Athletic in 2019 after rejecting Premier League interest.

Convinced by Steven Gerrard, he quickly became a key figure at Ibrox, scoring on his debut and going on to tally 26 goals and 25 assists.

Aribo’s blend of physicality and elegance drew plaudits from teammates and coaches alike. Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa praised his unique style and superb footwork, while Gerrard described him as having “the world at his feet.”

His defining Rangers moment came in the 2022 Europa League Final when he gave his side the lead against Eintracht Frankfurt. Although Rangers lost on penalties, that strike remains etched into club history.

However, his subsequent move to Southampton has not delivered. Signed for around £6 million, Aribo has endured a turbulent spell with the Saints, contributing only nine goals and one assist.

Frozen out by current manager Will Still, he has not featured at all this season. By contrast, in Glasgow, he hit double figures for combined goals and assists every year.

Looking back, the Nigerian international may regret leaving Ibrox. Southampton have been unstable, yo-yoing between the Premier League and Championship, while his own development has stalled.

For Rangers, the thought of a midfield trio of Raskin, Diomandé and Aribo at his peak is tantalising, especially given their current struggles.

A Defining European Campaign

As Rangers embark on another Europa League journey, the stakes could hardly be higher. Domestically adrift, their season already risks spiralling unless momentum is found.

For Martin, results in Europe may be the only way to ease fan unrest and buy time. For the players, it is an opportunity to restore pride and remind supporters of their enduring quality.

Above all, the performances of Raskin will be decisive. If he can drive the team forward, supported by a collective effort, Rangers may yet rekindle the spirit of past European runs.

Yet the absence of a player like Aribo, whose dynamism once transformed the side, lingers as a reminder of what has been lost.

The Europa League has rescued Rangers’ seasons before. Whether it can again will depend on whether Martin can finally settle his team, trust his best players, and harness the special atmosphere of Ibrox on a European night.