Rangers left back Tuur Rommens is quietly establishing himself as one of the most influential figures inside the Ibrox dressing room heading into the new season.
The 23-year-old Belgian joined Rangers from Westerlo in January and has swiftly become a favourite with supporters through his driving runs and tenacious defending.
Rommens spent part of his summer break in Mexico and Spain, recharging after the painful collapse of Rangers’ title challenge in the final stages of last season.
He has now returned to pre-season preparations in Alicante, where new manager Derek McInnes is putting the squad through an intense warm-weather training camp.
The week-long camp gives McInnes, a legend of the club’s nine-in-a-row era, his first real opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the Premiership opener at Tannadice on July 31.
Rommens says the squad has responded well to the new manager’s methods, describing a sense of genuine excitement building among players and supporters alike.
“It is still early under the new coach but I think he has very good opinions on how we want to play the game,” Rommens said, adding that he only learned of McInnes’ trophy-winning history at the club after arriving in Alicante.
The Belgian admitted the title race disappointment will serve as fuel this season, saying “the disappointment can drive you” and that “the hunger is there to get it over the line this time.”
Compatriot Nico Raskin is heading back to Ibrox after starring at the World Cup, having featured in all six of Belgium’s fixtures before a horror mistake by Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens gifted Spain victory in the quarter-finals.
Raskin’s standout performances, including his impact substitution against Senegal in the round of 32, saw him promoted into Rudi Garcia’s starting lineup ahead of Napoli superstar Kevin de Bruyne for Belgium’s win over hosts the United States.
Rommens was quick to defend his compatriot over the quarter-final exit, stating plainly that “it’s no shame to lose against” a world-class Spain side.
“I’m very happy for Nico now because he played very well and he fought his way into the team,” Rommens said, making clear his admiration for how Raskin earned his place at the tournament.
The left back, who captained Belgium’s Under-21 side, has openly stated his own ambition to join Raskin in the senior international setup, citing the Rangers European campaign as part of his motivation.
“That’s why I also want to come here to play these European games, to have this European campaign with the Rangers,” he said, revealing how the club’s continental ambitions factored into his decision to move to Glasgow.
With the captaincy vacant following James Tavernier’s departure, Rommens has been mentioned as a potential candidate, though he insists his behaviour will not change regardless of whether the armband is offered to him.
“It’s up to the manager, up to the club. They will decide on the new captain,” he said, describing himself as someone who leads through actions rather than words.
“I’m not the kind of person that speaks a lot in the dressing room. I try to do it on the pitch when we’re playing,” he added, outlining his quiet but purposeful leadership style.
Rommens also reflected on adapting to the relentless pressure that comes with representing Rangers, describing it as something that was entirely new to him but which he has quickly come to embrace.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned in my time here is that the pressure is always on,” he said, adding that performing to a high standard every week, regardless of the opposition, is a non-negotiable at Ibrox.
He closed with a message that will resonate with supporters who have already taken him to their hearts, insisting that winning trophies remains the only acceptable ambition for the club this season.
About the Author
