Dundee United have a fresh signing in Idjessi Metsoko who insists the side is primed for a 50‑50 showdown against Rangers at Tannadice on the opening weekend. The 24‑year‑old Togo international, on loan from Viktoria Plzeň, says the club’s new‑look squad will give everything for the fans.
What does Metsoko expect from the Rangers match?
Metsoko believes the encounter will be tightly contested. “It will be difficult against Rangers because they are a strong team,” he told reporters, “but we are a strong team too and we will give everything for the fans in this game.” He added that the many changes in personnel and management make the outcome “maybe 50‑50”. The striker’s confidence stems from his previous experience in Glasgow, having featured for Slovan Bratislava when they were thumped 5‑1 by Celtic in Europe.
Why is the move to Scotland appealing?
The forward recalled his first trip to Scotland two years ago to face Celtic, describing the atmosphere as “great” and the play as “very physical”. Those impressions helped him decide when a loan to Dundee United materialised. “I was with my agent in Paris, got a call from the coach, looked at the club’s history and the league vibe – I was happy to say yes,” Metsoko explained. He now feels a “good feeling” about the dressing‑room atmosphere and the youthful potential of the squad.
How will his style fit the Scottish game?
Metsoko says the Scottish Premiership’s physical nature suits his attributes better than the French or Czech leagues he’s previously played in. “The style in Scotland will suit me. It’s more physical here so it will be more suited to my type,” he noted, adding that the season will be long and demanding, requiring focus for every match. He aims to add goals and help Dundee United climb the table.
What does the club’s recent form tell us?
Dundee United finished the 2025 season in 9th place with 33 points, recording 8 wins, 9 draws and 16 losses, and a recent form of DLLDW. The team scored 34 goals while conceding 53, leaving a –19 goal difference and sitting 37 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian. Those numbers underline the challenge ahead as the club seeks to improve its standing.
What’s next for Metsoko and United?
Metsoko is eager to make an impact early, hoping to open his Scottish goal tally soon. He recalls scoring against Stuttgart in the Champions League and believes that experience will help him deliver for Dundee United. “I want to be a big part of things here and I believe I can be,” he affirmed, looking forward to the season’s battles against the league’s heavyweights.
