Europa League: ‘Much better than Sakala, play Aribo upfront’ – Sky Sports pundit wants a Rangers tweak
Europa League: ‘Much better than Sakala, play Aribo upfront' – Sky Sports pundit wants a Rangers tweak
Rangers will face RB Leipzig in the Europa League without two of their finest attackers
Sky Sports pundit and former Celtic player, Kris Commons has suggested a tweak in systems for Giovanni Van Bronckhorst ahead of Rangers' Europa League semifinal clash against the Germans.
Rangers currently have attackers Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe ruled out as a result of injury, and Commons has suggested that impressive Aribo can play as a false nine.
“That's the sort of system I think might suit Rangers best in Leipzig — and I believe Joe Aribo is the man best suited to playing the false nine role,” he wrote in his column.
“In terms of his touch and his technical ability, he's a much better player than Sakala. I think a front three of Aribo centrally, with Sakala and Ryan Kent out wide, could cause Leipzig problems.
“Aribo and Kent were rested for Saturday's victory over Motherwell in the Premiership, so they should be fresh and raring to go come Thursday night.”
After a bad dip in form, Aribo is back to his best in the Gers colours and Commons hailed the Super Eagles midfielder for bouncing back from his post-AFCON struggles.
“It's a funny one with Aribo (right). In the first half of the season, he was one of the best players in the country and looked a decent bet for Player of the Year along with some of the Celtic contingent,” he said.
“But he definitely went off the boil when he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria a couple of months ago.
“In saying that, I think he's definitely been finding some form again in recent games. His performances have picked up and he's looking more dangerous.”
Aribo has been one of the key cogs of the Rangers team this season, as he has provided three assists in the Europa League this season.