Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo must start offering more to Steven Gerrard or he risks a spell on the bench at Ibrox.
Joe Aribo is a highly talented player. No one who has watched Rangers with more than passing interest since his arrival from Charlton in the summer of 2019 could legitimately argue otherwise.
He has wonderful close control and dribbling ability, with his composure on the ball in the middle of the park impressive for a relatively inexperienced player.
However, 18 months after joining the club, he still lacks consistency.
The Nigeria international was labelled ‘immense’ by his manager for his display against St Mirren at the end of December [RangersTV], but since then, he’s been very quiet.
Aribo’s Old Firm performance lacked intensity, while he drifted in and out of the subsequent 2-1 win at Pittodrie and struggled once again at Fir Park on Sunday. His attempted through balls lacked precision, while he blazed a golden opportunity well over the bar in the second half.
He hasn’t had much luck across the campaign, with a relatively serious ankle injury and a minor illness robbing him of the momentum he had built up in pre-season.
After six consecutive Premiership starts, rustiness can no longer be an excuse, though, and there’s no doubt that four goals and two assists in 22 appearances in all competitions constitutes a disappointing return.
Aribo’s spot in the XI has been near guaranteed in recent times due to the absence of several key performers due to injury.
However, Ryan Jack is expected back this weekend and Scott Arfield is on track to return next month, so competition for places in midfield will soon ramp up.
Of course, Aribo is also capable of playing as one of Rangers’ two inside forwards.
Yet, there are already multiple players vying for those spots and with Kemar Roofe returning to training this week, there will soon be another high-quality operator for the manager to call upon.
Therefore, the player affectionately known as ‘velcro feet’ by some fans must start offering more to the side or he could soon find himself amongst the substitutes.
An impressive summer signing will be hoping he’s done enough to line up alongside Aribo at the weekend for what would be just his third Premiership start.
