Former Tottenham Hotspur’s striker Jermain Defoe has heaped praises on his Rangers’ team-mate after the youngster’s seamless adaptation to his new role as a number ten.
The ex-England striker has been left impressed with how Super Eagles star Joe Aribo has embraced the challenge of the Scottish Premiership since joining last summer. He also believes that the youngster has been able to express himself more since he was handed a free role in an attacking setup by Rangers boss, Steven Gerrard.
The Light Blues have been able to count on the technical ability and tactical nous of the Nigeria international since arriving the Ibrox from Charlton Athletic, with the 23-year-old nailing a regular shirt in Gerrard’s Rangers starting eleven.
During his early days, Aribo was usually deployed in deep-lying positions in midfield, but he has recently been moved further upfield where he enjoys the freedom of a classic Number 10.
It is in this new position that Gers frontman Defoe feels the youngster can better express himself even more.
“For Joe Aribo – where he was sort of like, played a little bit deeper and now he is playing as a 10, closer to the goal, where I feel like he can really express himself,” Defoe told Rangers TV.
“And almost like play off the cuff without thinking too much and I feel like that’s where he’s at his best, when he can just play off the cuff and just do what he does.
“He’s been a big player for us. He’s enjoying it, he’s enjoying playing that sort of role.”
Aribo has scored six goals and provided eight assists from his 35 appearances across all competitions for Rangers this term.