Former Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard has revealed would love to have a player like Joe Aribo at every team he manages in his coaching career.
The 39-year-old said this after Joe Aribo’s brilliant performance in Rangers remarkable win over Braga in the Europa League round of 32 clash between them last night.
Braga had silenced the Ibrox fans with two first-half goals from Fransergio and Abel Ruiz. But Aribo’s introduction nine minutes into the second half sparked an incredible comeback.
Ianis Hagi pulled one back for the Gers in the 67th minute before Aribo’s individual solo goal eight minutes later drew Rangers level. Hagi’s second of the night through a freekick sealed the comeback for Rangers.
Alexa play Joe Aribo on repeat x pic.twitter.com/baqgsEH2Xn
— Teej (@tjeverett1872) February 20, 2020
Following the match, Rangers manager, Steven Gerrard praised the professionalism of Aribo. The Nigeria international was introduced from the bench, and he also played in an unfamiliar role initially.
The 23-year-old played as a left-back before he was moved forward to the midfield and subsequently as an attacker. His attitude to being dropped earned him praises from Gerrard.
“I absolutely loved Joe Aribo – for a couple of reasons.”He never sulked when he wasn’t in the XI, and he was positive around the dressing room. “When I asked him to do a job he was more than ready, Gerrard said in quotes obtained from Scottish reporter Andy Newport
The former Liverpool man also praised Aribo’s ability to play in multiple positions in the few minutes he was on the pitch.
Steven Gerrard on Joe Aribio: "I absolutely loved Joe Aribo – for a couple of reasons.
"He never sulked when he wasn't in the XI and he was positive around the dressing room.
"When I asked him to do a job he was more than ready.
"He epitomised everything we were about in the…— Andy Newport (@AndyNewportPA) February 20, 2020
second half. Joe played out of position and in more than one position – and never complained.
"He got on with it and had a massive, outstanding contribution.
"I will have a bit of Joe Aribo anywhere I go."— Andy Newport (@AndyNewportPA) February 20, 2020
“He epitomised everything we were about in the second half. Joe played out of position and in more than one position – and never complained. “He got on with it and had a massive, outstanding contribution. “I will have a bit of Joe Aribo anywhere I go.”