Gais drew 0-0 against Mjällby in their Allsvenskan season opener, extending their winless streak in opening matches to three years. The match saw defensive changes for Gais, with Anes Cardaklija and Filip Beckman starting as center-backs. Oskar Ågren and Robin Frej began on the bench, with Ågren substituting in during the second half as a defensive midfielder, replacing Joackim Fagerjord.
According to Göteborgs-Posten, Gais head coach Fredrik Holmberg jokingly compared Ågren to Italian legend Andrea Pirlo. Defender Anes Cardaklija also praised Ågren, comparing him to Sergio Busquets, saying he was class and could play both forward and backward. Cardaklija noted that Ågren is faster than both Busquets and Pirlo.
I am shaping him into a new (Andrea) Pirlo.
Looking ahead, Holmberg faces a tough squad selection for the upcoming match against Djurgården. According to Expressen Sport, Holmberg described it as one of the toughest squad selections he has experienced. The outcome of that match and Ågren's performance remain to be seen.