‘Aribo has taken his game to a whole new level’- Ferguson on Super Eagles star

The Nigerian international has been one of the best players in the Scottish top-flight this season following his brilliant performances for the Gers 

Scottish football legend Barry Ferguson has praised Joe Aribo’s impact on Rangers this season while urging the club not to sell him when the transfer window opens next month.

Aribo has been exceptional since he arrived from Charlton in 2019, but he has taken his game to a different level this season.

The 25-year-old has scored six league goals and registered three assists in 18 league appearances this season, but it is his all-round play that has earned him praises from many.

One of such displays was in Rangers 2-0 win over St. Johnstone on Wednesday, where Aribo did not score or provide an assist but still ended up winning the Man Of The Match.

It is performances like the one against St Johnstone that have earned him praises from Ferguson, who said the Nigerian is now a complete player.

“I’ve rated Aribo highly ever since he first arrived in Glasgow from Charlton,” Ferguson said in his Daily Record Column. 

“You could see straight away he was a talented young man.”

“But, even so, I’ve been amazed at the progress he has made and particularly over the past six months or so.”

“Aribo has taken his game to a whole new level and become an even better player than most of us ever thought he could be.

“His goal at Tynecastle on Sunday was straight out of the top drawer. Now he’s added this string to his bow, he has become an all-round top midfielder.”

Aribo has been linked with a move away from the Ibrox when the transfer window, with Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa and Crystal Palace amongst the clubs interested in his services.

Gerrard brought Aribo to the Ibrox when he was still in charge of Rangers. The former Liverpool captain left his role at Rangers in November to take over at Aston Villa, and there have been reports that he could make a move for his former player.

However, Ferguson insists Rangers should refuse to sell if an offer, no matter how interesting, comes in.

“They all know Rangers are looking to trade their top players because the board has been pretty open about it.”

“If an offer comes in that matches the club’s valuation, then they’ll do business.”

“But Aribo should be the exception to the rule. I’d put a price tag of around £15million on him at this moment, which is £5m more than I would have said just a few weeks ago.”

“Every time he steps onto a pitch right now, he puts an extra digit on the end!”

“Even if Gerrard or whoever else comes in with a bid in that ball park, Rangers would be better off telling them to stick it where the sun don’t shine,” he added.