“I’m happy I’ve been able to do that” – Super Eagles star keen to flourish under Rangers boss

The Nigerian international is loving life under the former Feyenoord manager, and he reckons the league leaders are sending a message out to their rivals with recent form

Midfielder Joe Aribo is pleased to have made positive contributions that led Rangers to a convincing 3-0 victory over Dundee FC at the Ibrox on Saturday.

The 25-year-old broke the deadlock for the reigning champions in the 36 minutes when the visitors appeared to be gaining a foothold in the encounter.

Aribo then had a hand in the Gers’ second goal ten minutes after the break when his sharp cross was turned in for an own-goal by Ryan Sweeney. Alfredo Morelos added a third midway through the second half to secure a fourth straight victory for manager Gio van Bronckhorst.

Aribo deservedly claimed the man-of-the-match honours and was replaced late on to a round of applause from the home fans.

The Super Eagles midfielder has had more freedom in the final third under van Bronckhorst than under the departed Steven Gerrard. And he has flourished with two goals and an assist in his last four games.

The former Charlton man had three goals and three assists in the 23 matches he featured in before the arrival of van Bronckhorst.

And Aribo is pleased that the Dutch manager’s ways are helping the Rangers team improve their output.

“We want to score as many goals as possible and put a statement out to the rest of the league and hopefully, we can keep doing that,” Aribo told Rangers TV.

“We’re buzzing with the result first and foremost. We’re happy with the performance as we knew how important it was to start fast and try and get as many goals as possible.

“We’re just happy we were able to do that. The new manager has brought his own style so it’s taken us some time to get used to it, but the boys are just happy to keep pushing.

“I’ve always said I want to improve my numbers and leave my impact on the game, so I’m happy I’ve been able to do that of late.

As the Gers’ highest-scoring midfielder, Aribo already has five goals and three assists in 16 league appearances.

The Nigerian international managed six goals and four assists in 25 games last term, which helped Rangers secure the 55th top-flight title.