Thelo Aasgaard has signaled his intention to become a key figure for Rangers this season following his impressive performance in the Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee United. The Norway international scored a well-taken goal to secure a 1-1 draw at Tannadice, marking a positive start under new manager Derek McInnes.
The 24-year-old midfielder ended his debut campaign at Rangers with eight goals but started only about half of the club’s matches. Having previously played for Wigan Athletic and Luton Town, Aasgaard hopes to have a greater impact in his second season at Ibrox. He attributed part of his improved form to training with Norway’s national team during the recent World Cup in America, where he appeared once and scored against France. Aasgaard said that the experience raised his standards and helped boost his confidence heading into the new campaign.
Reflecting on last season, Aasgaard acknowledged periods where he struggled to secure a regular place in the team and deliver consistently on the pitch. He is now focused on taking more responsibility and becoming “the man” for Rangers, a shift underscored by his commitment to cut short his summer break to return early and push for a starting role. McInnes has praised Aasgaard’s attitude and willingness to embrace this new level of responsibility, encouraging him to play with freedom and confidence.
Despite his encouraging start, Rangers managed only a draw against Dundee United, with Lachlan Rose opening the scoring for the hosts and Jesse Randall missing a late opportunity to win the game for United. Aasgaard was one of the standout players for Rangers, who showed signs of rustiness especially in the first half.
The club is actively looking to strengthen its attacking options, particularly by signing wingers and other creative threats, as McInnes aims to increase the team’s offensive output. Aasgaard embraces the added competition, believing it will drive all players to perform better. He highlighted the importance of intensity in training and competition within the squad as factors that will keep performances high throughout the season.
Having settled into life at Rangers after a challenging first year, Aasgaard appears determined to play a pivotal role in the team’s ambitions. Whether he can maintain consistent form remains to be seen, but early indications suggest that he is committed to evolving into one of the club’s leading figures this season.