It’s hard to deny how inconsistent Joe Aribo has been for Rangers this season.
Signed to much hype, not least from Steven Gerrard himself, Aribo has shown in flashes the ability which has had the Liverpool legend “pinching” himself over the signing.
From the away tie with Midtjylland, the trip to East Fife and even the Scottish Premiership match with Livingston before the break, we saw that galloping, technical presence in full flow at times.
But in other matches, Joe Aribo has too often been posted missing in the blue of Rangers.
The game against Celtic is an obvious stand-out, whilst his largely anonymous performance in yesterday’s match with Hamilton is another example of the lethargy we’ve seen in his game.
Granted, he did play Benin and Lesotho in the African cities of Uyo and Maseru with Nigeria during the international break.
His uninspiring performances have worried some Rangers fans, with many worrying Aribo’s traits make him a liability more than an asset and growing fears over a “luxury player” handle.
But what is immensely clear is the talent that the midfielder clearly has.
Fans too must consider Aribo’s own determination to evolve his game to the point where he can put in those all-action, conquering midfield displays on a consistent basis.
After scoring against Livingston in the 2-0 win a fortnight ago, a goal which was pleasant revenge for a nasty head injury experienced there earlier in the season, Aribo spoke about becoming a “beast” for Rangers.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard knows that Aribo needs to be more demanding, more in-your-face and more central to our play when he plays.
Still only 23, Steven Gerrard clearly believes that in the coming months and years the former Charlton star can go on to do so.
Rangers fans just need to be patient.
