Joe Aribo Reveals The Reason Behind His Impressive Form This Season

The Nigeria international has settled in well at the Ibrox since he joined Rangers last summer from Charlton on a free transfer. While some players struggle when they arrive at new clubs, Aribo did not have such a problem as he has gone on to be one of Rangers key players.

Speaking on the reason behind his impressive start with Rangers, Aribo revealed it was the responsibility handed to him by Steven Gerrard that has helped him settle in at the Ibrox Stadium.

Although Aribo is a natural position is a central midfielder, he has been given more freedom by Gerrard to go forward. In fact, in recent games, Aribo has been played in a more advanced position by the former Liverpool skipper.

The 23-year-old played as a left-winger in Rangers 2-0 win over Celtic last December, and it’s such decision from Gerrard that has made Aribo settled in with the Gers.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Record, Aribo said Gerrard’s trust in him helped him a lot particularly at the start of the season.

“It gives me that confidence if I break the rules. I can play my natural game. It’s sometimes hard when you are in a fixed structure, so you need someone to go and do the things no one is expecting you to do, Aribo said.

“That just gives me confidence to say I need to stand up and do what I have to do to put in the right ball or score goals for the team.

“It was intense at the start and it took time obviously settling into a new club and the stature of the club and how big it is.

“So it did take some time to get used to it but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

‘And I’ve been happy I’ve been able to stay in the squad and keep putting in performances, he added.

The Super Eagles star has featured 33 times for Rangers this season, scoring six times, and registering seven assists.