- Thelo Aasgaard failed to make any significant impression against Aberdeen
- There is no question of his ability but time is running out to prove it
- Aasgaard has a Norway World Cup spot to think about in the summer
Thelo Aasgaard struggled to make any significant impact in his return to the starting line-up against Aberdeen.
The Norwegian attacker was picked ahead of Djeidi Gassama on Saturday, making it feel like a now-or-never moment.
The £3.5 million summer signing gave a passenger-like performance in what was an overall solid display from the Gers.
The World Cup is just around the corner, and time is of the essence for Aasgaard to make an impact in a Rangers jersey.
Aasgaard is a talented player, but in a title race, the team needs a player who can deliver consistently.
If he can’t impose himself on an Aberdeen side that is flirting with the relegation play-offs, can we trust him in the upcoming post-split fixtures?
Stats don’t lie for Thelo Aasgaard
Usually operating as an attacking midfielder, Aasgaard operated mainly off the right and drifted inside against Aberdeen.
The Norwegian star was brought in at Ibrox to be a player who picks up the ball and dictates the game in the attacking third.
Against Aberdeen, despite the Gers having the majority of the ball and territory, Aasgaard didn’t get on the ball enough.
Compared to Nico Raskin, who had 93 touches, Aasgaard only touched the ball 49 times in the match.
He completed one successful dribble and lost the ball 10 times during the match.
He only attempted 35 passes in the game, with the majority going sideways and backwards.
Aasgaard is supposed to be a difference maker, operating in dangerous positions, but he only managed one shot.
On the eye test, it’s clear that Aasgaard can wriggle out of tight spaces and beat a player.
He did get his name in the assist column, providing the assist for Nico Raskin’s goal in the 62nd minute, which made the score 3-1.
The Norwegian midfielder has now provided four goals and three assists in 16 Premiership starts this season.
Is that good enough to warrant a spot at the World Cup in the summer?
An intense title race
Danny Rohl needs a player he can rely on consistently in what is seven cup finals to try and win the league.
We are reaching the business end of the season. Hearts are still three points clear at the top.
Rohl needs fighters and not luxury players who don’t turn up every single week.
When you look at the impact Mikey Moore is having, it’s even harder to accept that Aasgaard isn’t doing something similar.
Given both a World Cup spot at stake and a title to be won, surely it must be now or never for Aasgaard to make a statement.
The Gers face Dundee United after the international break with the chance of going top of the league.
Read Rangers analysis
In my expert opinion, there is no question that Thelo Aasgaard can make a real impact in the title race.
It just seems like he’s become a passenger in a Rangers side that looks desperate to win the Premiership title.
With his World Cup hope in doubt and a title on the line, it’s time for the Norwegian to step up and deliver.
