Michael Stewart delivers damning verdict on Rangers player – ‘Not sure he understands’
Michael Stewart was far from impressed with Rangers’ performance in the 2-1 defeat to Hearts on Sunday.
Stuart Findlay and Lawrence Shankland’s first-half goals were enough to see off Rangers at Tynecastle, despite Youssef Chermiti’s last-gasp consolation goal.
The result leaves Danny Rohl’s side 12 points off their opponents at the top of the table, and their title hopes have taken an incredibly damaging blow.
The outcome of Rangers’ awful summer transfer window is becoming clearer every single game, and Stewart believes that Thelo Aasgaard in particular simply isn’t cut out to be successful in Govan.
Michael Stewart has already made his mind up on Thelo Aasgaard
The Norway international has been underwhelming since signing for Rangers in the summer, and he has failed to make the most of every opportunity he has had under Rohl.
Aasgaard was brought on for Connor Barron in the 74th minute, but despite registering an assist for Chermiti’s goal, he looked devoid of confidence.
Aasgaard’s only Rangers goal came against Dundee United, where he sublimely curled a finish past goalkeeper Yevhenii Kucherenko after a dazzling run, but he has failed to produce any magic ever since.
| Stat | Thelo Aasgaard |
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Dribble success rate | 68% |
| Pass accuracy | 83% |
Speaking on Sportscene on 21 December, Stewart outlined why the 23-year-old has failed to hit the ground running.
He said: “The summer transfer window is a source of a lot of the problems that Rangers are experiencing.
“Aasgaard, for me, has a good stature and is a technically good player, but he has never had an impact on the game.
“To me, I’m not sure he understands what his strengths are and how he can influence a match.”
It’s become a recurring theme for a summer signing to perform below expectations, and Aasgaard hasn’t delivered at Ibrox under both Russell Martin and Rohl.
- Read more: Keith Jackson confused by what Danny Rohl did with ‘dreadful’ Rangers player – ‘It was baffling’
Thelo Aasgaard has the ability to start for Rangers
Mohamed Diomande was hooked at half-time against Hearts after another poor performance, and Aasgaard has a glorious chance to seize a starting spot in midfield.
The 23-year-old registered four goals and one assist for Norway in five appearances as they topped their World Cup qualifying group, but has failed to replicate his heroics on the international stage with the Light Blues.
Despite impressing for both Wigan Athletic and Luton Town in the EFL, the transfer fee of £3.5million seemed steep, but he is a player with an abundance of potential.
However, he has been resigned to the bench for the last five matches, and unless he produces what everyone knows he is capable of, Diomande will continue to be selected ahead of him.
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