Rangers player enjoys life in new role as more 'responsibility' helps key aspect of his game

Rangers loanee Thelo Aasgaard has been given more ‘responsibility’ in his new-look role at Anderlecht, where he feels he’s improved off the ball.

The Belgian giants have transformed the attacking midfielder into a deep-lying playmaker as boss Vitor Bruno asks more of him defensively. The 24-year old has recently been praised by local media, claiming he has ‘Anderlecht in his DNA’.

After an inconsistent breakout campaign at Ibrox, Aasgaard started the new season well under new boss Derek McInnes, grabbing their first goal of the season in a 1-1 draw away to Dundee United. But while the manager identified the Norwegian as a player with huge ‘potential’, the Ibrox side decided to farm him out to Belgium just before deadline day.

How has Thelo Aasgaard developed in a new role?

After initial struggles, the newly-labelled versatile midfielder appears to have found his feet on the continent. As he now prepares for UEFA Nations League action with Norway, he explained why he thinks he’s excelling in his new role. Aasgaard said: “When I was younger, I often played there. I’ve also developed a good understanding with Mario [Stroeykens].

“We understand each other well. I like that role because it gives me the freedom to push forward and get into the box. The coach demands a lot from me. It’s also a defensive role, and I have a big responsibility in that respect. I try to show that I can handle both sides of the game: creating chances and getting into the box, but also remaining disciplined when we don’t have the ball. That’s something I’m working hard on.”

Last season, under managers Russell Martin and Danny Rohl, more often than not Aasgaard would play in an attacking midfielder role. However, with McInnes favouring more box-to-box midfielder options, as well as two strikers, perhaps Aasgaard’s new role at Anderlecht will make him better equipped to rejoin the Rangers starting XI after his loan terminates in the summer.

McInnes sees bags of ‘potential’ in Aasgaard

At the start of the season, McInnes said of Aasgaard: "We need to try and get Thelo and others a wee bit more consistent, but sometimes, being young players and with the size of the club and the demand, you’ve got to work through that.

"Players like Thelo and others need to fight through that and show their capabilities. Sometimes, in a technical game, these games are a bit easier to show, and other times, when you’re not getting it all your own way, you’re going to have to dig deep. Thelo, without question, has got huge potential and it’s up to us and him to get it out of him."

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