When Joe Aribo first joined Rangers, he did so to such fanfare that it spawned talk of Rangers getting up to £20m back on their investment.
A clear talent, Aribo showed in flashes in Europa League qualification why Steven Gerrard is still “pinching” himself [RangersTV] that we got the lanky midfielder. And why Lee Bowyer was so raging [talkSPORT].
Domestically, however, Aribo has struggled to really make an impact on games, but after his performance against Ross County is that about to change?
Aribo was simply fantastic up in Dingwall. In fact, the entire team were. But his quick feet, passing in tight spaces and immense skill were too much for County to handle.
This was Aribo on it – on the ball and enjoying himself. This, for me, is what we need to see more of in every match at Ibrox. The fans certainly enjoyed his performance.
Stopping short of saying this was a seminal performance from Aribo – the kind where he dominates a match, is a match winner and it’s against top opposition – it can be a springboard.
Rangers fans can be impatient at times and standards at Ibrox are immensely high from the get-go.
But you get the feeling that with a little breathing space this midfielder can develop into something special in Glasgow.
Is it too early to be talking £20m price tags and consistent, dominant midfield performances? Probably.
But last night Joe Aribo showed that he is beginning to settle into life at Rangers and exactly what he can bring to the side when he does.
