There is absolutely no question Joe Aribo is in poor form at present.
With press outlets scathing of him last night and some awarding him as little as 3/10, the big Nigerian, whose side won’t be going to Qatar, struggled hugely to impress for his country, continuing a dreadful run of form since he return from Cameroon.
We don’t quite know what happened to the player we dubbed ‘Scotland’s potential first £35M sale’ only 4 months ago, but 2022 has been by a distance his most unimpressive spell at Rangers, and likely his career-worst too.
It’s a real shame – we know how good this guy is in the zone, he’s the best player in the land in many respects, but we’ve not seen that side at all since he came home.
He looks passive, slow, heavy on the ball, and he’s struggling to beat men like he used to.
Unfortunately, for whatever reason, he appears to have ‘Borna-itis’ where an exceptionally talented player has taken a big hit to his confidence and is toiling now to be heard.
Is his focus elsewhere?
Possibly. He looks distracted, and not his normal self.
The contrast between the player who was owning the SPL and well on the way to being POTY before January to the rather timid, tepid, passive attacker he currently is is a bit depressing, and it may give Gio a decision to make this Sunday.
He’s offered very little the past 12+ weeks, 3 assists and a goal in all competitions is pretty modest at best for a player of his quality, and we really hope he can find his way back soon.
Sunday? We’d start Lowry. He’s not shirked anything we’ve thrown at him, and while it might not work, it’s better to try, fail, and have answers than not even try.
Aribo, we think, might just struggle for space in this one. We’d give Lowry the nod.
But we really hope Joe can regain his form soon.
Aribo has been poor , but I still give him the nod for Sunday because of his experience. I’m more concerned about Morelos and Ramsay .
I’d be open to Lowry starting but you could have a Diallo moment where the fans turn on him if he isn’t spectacular. Aribo did fair much better in Nigeria’s opening game. Press were surprised he was taken off from reports I had read.
I’d start with Lowry which may make Aribo realise he is not a sure pick. He can always be used as a substitute if needed.
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