Steven Gerrard has spoken to RangersTV about Joe Aribo.
The 23-year-old signed from Charlton in late-June for a reported £300,000, benefitting from a cross-border transfer loophole [Scotsman].
The Gers were said to have successfully fended off major competition from elsewhere, and the manager still can’t believe they pulled off the signing. Especially, after his recent international exploits.
Rangers midfielder Aribo lauded by Gerrard
“The moment of the goal [against Brazil] and the type of goal, he will score them throughout his career because he’s got all the attributes to make the box, he’s got the soft feet in the box to create exciting things and I still have to pinch myself that we got him here,” he told RangersTV.
“Joe can be whatever he wants to be. If he stays as humble as he is, stays as professional and keeps showing effort and desire, Joe can make his career whatever he wants it to be.”
Verdict
It hasn’t all been plain sailing for the £450k-rated man [Transfermarkt] since he joined the Gers.
Aribo fared badly when played out of position in last month’s Old Firm, while he wasn’t able to make a telling contribution in the draw at Tynecastle on Sunday.
However, in general, he has impressed so far.
Having a rangy left-footed midfielder brings a different dynamic to Rangers’ game and like all good players, he seems to have that extra time on the ball.
To date, he has four goals and two assists from 16 appearances [Transfermarkt], with his club contributions enough to earn him his first Nigeria call-ups.
With the national team, he’s started extremely well, netting in his first two appearances, against Ukraine and Brazil.
Therefore, it’s easy to see why Stevie G isn’t yet willing to put a cap on just how good this guy could be.
