Joe Aribo always seemed like a Rangers player who would most likely be able to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.
Technically gifted, good in and out of position and an incredible physical specimen, it seemed like only a matter of time before he would see his dream of a move to England’s top flight come true.
A summer move to Southampton just hasn’t worked out for Joe Aribo, however, the mercurial former Rangers midfielder has been backed to come good by one of St Mary’s best – Matt Le Tissier.
Via The Daily Record, the Nigeria international has been earmarked as a player who could fire Southampton back into the English top flight.
Can Joe Aribo be the man to take Southampton back up?
A stable squad and management team will be needed as well as letting the 27-year old hold down a regular position.
Asked about Joe Aribo, whose final Rangers goal was in the Europa League final, the Saints legend said:
“When he arrived at St Mary’s I was really looking forward to seeing him in action – and then he scored this unbelievable goal in pre-season. Everything seemed set up for him.
“But I suppose you’re judged on competitive performances and he just couldn’t get that early league goal, which can make such a massive difference. It must have been frustrating for him, and then in the second half of the season his opportunities were limited
“I’d like to see him come out of the traps next season all guns blazing – and I’m sure he can still be a star in a Saints jersey.”
Le Tissier is right, Joe Aribo needs to be trusted but he also needs help from his club.
Being versatile has meant that he has consistently been shifted about the Southampton team, the reported £10m signing’s last two starts coming at centre-forward.
He did a job there under Giovanni van Bronckhorst but it was through necessity rather than desire.
Under Gio, Joe Aribo took his game for Rangers to another level when the Dutchman replace Steven Gerrard, playing at number ten in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Unfortunately, after coming back from the African Cup of Nations, he just wasn’t able to replicate this form.
A new season and a new manager should see Joe Aribo given the chance to prove that he can be as successful in England as he was for Rangers.
If anyone knows what it takes to make a difference as an enigmatic maverick, it’s Matt Le Tissier.
