It’s safe to say that while Joe Aribo hasn’t quite set the heather alight in Glasgow yet, he has shown glimpses of his quality, undeniable glimpses.
Ibrox Noise appealed to our readers to give the 23-year old a little time before judging him, given what a culture shock this move north has been for the ex-Charlton man, and with his first call up for Nigeria to face Ukraine this evening, an appearance from the bench could propel Aribo’s value if he impresses.
The fact is, Rangers, in theory, have a £20M player – Aribo has every tool in the book to be as good as a Vieira or a Toure, with a similar physique, build and game style as those legends of the game, and while his first matches as a Ranger haven’t scaled those lofty heights just yet, a stand out performance as a sub for his nation could ignite his season.
The midfield colossus is not expected to start, but was not drafted in late by Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr unlike many late selections due to a raft of withdrawals – instead the Rangers man was chosen as part of the initial squad and is likely to be used deeper in the game, which is, incidentally, only a friendly.
And we know just how much of an impact on stock and value good performances can have – while Borna Barisic’s Rangers career continues to stutter, his displays for his country remain excellent and reliable, and his value an interesting area of conversation.
Aribo can kick-start his Rangers career, getting a confidence-building display for Nigeria under his belt and start to enforce that in a Rangers shirt.
Aribo has never been terrible for Rangers, he has had one or two duds, but we can all see the quality he evidently has – and if he can produce for country, he can produce for club.
And Rangers will finally feel we truly have our £20M man on our hands.
It's a mind thing, I reckon. He clearly has ability. But may have lost his nerve. Needs to get his mojo back and quick! We're already starting to be hit with injuries, like last season with Flanagan. Better heal quick. This is not the season to be 'plagued' with injuries, like laast season. I think we should keep stats on a players injuries, too. Then we can identify crocks and wage thieves, before we get lumbered.
At 23 he has the world at his feet and if he is given the chance to play for his national side it will do his confidence no harm. He has lost his way a wee bit and I think we have still to see the best of Joe Aribo but I am sure it will come and come soon.
I dont think he's lost his nerve in any serious way, he's just a young guy settling into a new club and surroundings imo. He's got all the physical and technical attributes hes just to find his rhythm. I've seen enough to think hes going to be a big player. That being said we cant afford to carry anyone so he needs to dig in. Or be replaced in the starting 11
4 mins in, Aribo 1-0 🙂
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