Super Eagles star Joe Aribo is having the time of his life in the Scottish Premiership. Since his move to Ibrox three years ago, the Nigerian star has churned out brilliant performances consistently.
The reason for Aribo’s growth is not far-fetched, as prior to his departure to Aston Villa, the former Liverpool maestro Steven Gerrard was his boss.
Unlike when he plays for Nigeria, Aribo is often deployed to play as a box-to-box Midfielder for Rangers. And Occasionally, he has played in more advanced positions, and has excelled in all his assignments.
This season, Aribo has scored eight goals and assisted six, a healthy return for a midfielder. And before he departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles star was in contention for player of the season, but a lull in his performances after a poor campaign in Cameroon may have ruined his chances.
Asides from his ability to score, Aribo has an eye for the pass, and his ability to read the game is top-notch. Also, the 25-year-old is pretty solid with the ball, as his ball retention ability and physicality are vital ingredients to his game.
Aribo’s displays have not gone unnoticed, as several Premier League sides have been linked with him. Crystal Palace, Southampton, and Aston Villa have all come up as possible destinations for the 25-year-old.
It would be a huge step up for the former Charlton Athletic man, as going from the ninth-best league in the world to arguably the best League in the world could be a tough ask.
However, Aribo has shown that he can still hold his own. Mikel Arteta, Virgil Van Dijk, and Andy Robertson are just a few names that have maintained consistency despite moving from the Premiership to the Premier League.
At 25, there is no better time to step up because he is in his most productive years. Also, he already has a winning mentality. Last season, Aribo helped Rangers win the elusive Premiership title for the first time in ten years.
This season, the Gers are set to lose the title to Celtic. Still, they are in the semifinals of the Europa League after a 14-year hiatus, and Aribo has played an important role, featuring in all the games and supplying three assists.
Also, the Gers pipped Celtic to the finals of the Scottish Cup, where they are favorites to beat Hearts.
At 25, most players are already at their peak. Aribo has been brilliant for Rangers, but he needs to test himself against the big boys if he wants to write his name in gold. As such, with the offers coming through, the Nigerian star should leave the comfort of Glasgow and display his brilliance in the biggest league in the world for everyone to see.
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