Opinion

Seizing opportunity: Why Joe Aribo should consider a move despite bright moments at Southampton

Joe Aribo’s recent run of three consecutive starts this season at Southampton marks a positive turn for the Super Eagles midfielder, as noted by Soccernet.ng.

His impressive performances in these matches, achieving ratings of 6.8 and 6.9, emphasizes his potential impact on the field.

However, amidst these positive performances, Aribo’s situation at Southampton presents ongoing challenges in securing a consistent role within the squad.

Since Russell Martin’s arrival, Aribo’s rhythm at St. Mary’s Stadium has been disrupted. Despite his recent starts, he’s been limited to just 12 starts out of 15 appearances this season, following a campaign with restricted playing time in the Premier League.

The inclusion of Flynn Downes in Southampton’s midfield hierarchy has notably impacted Aribo’s role, even though Downes’ recent absence due to illness provided Aribo with the opportunity to start.

Expressing his desire to play as an impactful box-to-box midfielder highlights Aribo’s ambition to contribute significantly to the game.

However, within Southampton’s squad dynamics, securing a consistent starting spot might prove challenging, especially with strong performances from players like Shea Charles and Stuart Armstrong in their respective roles.

At 27, Aribo faces a crucial phase in his career. While rumours of a potential move to Galatasaray surfaced during the summer transfer window, the upcoming transfer window presents an opportune time for Aribo to exhibit his abilities more prominently.

However, concerns arise regarding the potential stagnation of his career growth if he continues to face limited chances for regular playtime at Southampton.

In essence, despite the recent positive signs, considering a move away from Southampton might offer Joe Aribo a more viable pathway to secure the consistent playing time necessary for his flourishing career development.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

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