Speaking to RangersTV, following the stunning Europa League comeback win over Braga, Ianis Hagi has praised his ‘special’ Rangers teammate, Joe Aribo.
The Gers trailed 2-0 with less than 25 minutes of the Round of 32 first leg remaining, but a left-footed Hagi strike, a fine solo goal from Aribo and a deflected Hagi free-kick saw the tie turned on its head in just 15 minutes.
It was a spectacular Rangers European debut for Hagi, who many fans have tipped to win the Player of the Week accolade.
However, he was keen to ensure Aribo received sufficient praise, after a game-changing introduction off the bench.
“He’s an amazing dude,” Hagi told RangersTV. “Playing three positions in less than 45 minutes, it’s crazy, it’s madness.”
“Just being out there giving that positive stuff every single moment he had the ball. Sacrificing for the team and playing as a left-back, I think that was the first time, I guess?”
“It’s amazing and scoring that goal? That dude…he’s special.”
Verdict
There’s clear admiration from Hagi here for a player who has received criticism at times this season.
Aribo clearly has bags of talent, but hasn’t always shown himself under pressure, or looked prepared to muck in when things get tough.
He showed huge heart last night to come on and affect the game the way he did, though, waltzing through the opposition defence and finishing calmly, before showing total commitment in defence in the final stages.
He thrived in an unfamiliar role as the Ibrox crowd was whipped up into a frenzy, and it shows just why the club were so keen to sign him in the summer.
He’ll no doubt be hoping to play a similarly key role in the second leg, as Rangers look to book a place in the last 16.
