JOE Aribo admits he has always felt “like the shyer player” at previous clubs but now knows he needs to step up and help drive a young Premier League team forward. Aribo announced himself fully to St Mary’s with a 70-yard scorching solo run during the 2-1 pre-season defeat to Villarreal, scoring a second minutes later which was then ruled out. Yet, in the immediate aftermath, the physically imposing and technically impressive Aribo still carried himself with a notable timidness.
Joe Aribo said: “I think it was good for the boys, we needed it, it was a good run-out – especially (on Saturday), against good opposition. We’ve played a lot of good teams and it’s just finding that rhythm, taking on board what the manager’s telling us. For me it was really easy to get involved and feel, I’ve already spoken about this, but they’re so welcoming. So I’ve felt at home since I’ve been here, they’ve been so welcoming.”
Aribo broke into a laugh when asked at what point he realised he was going to take on four Villarreal defenders and score a first goal, albeit in pre-season, for his new club.
Joe Aribo said: “I went to pass it for Arma (Adam Armstrong) but the defender kind of read it so I said okay, I need to go for it now. Luckily I was able to get through and finish it. It’s a massive feeling, I want to get into the rhythm of finding the back of the net. It’s really important for me to do that. Hopefully I can keep that going into the season to come now. Football is about moments, that’s what I came here to do, to change games and leave my imprint on the pitch.”
Although himself a new player in the Staplewood Campus group, Aribo immediately climbs to one of the more experienced stars in the entire squad. There is, of course, the elder statesmen in James Ward-Prowse, Stuart Armstrong, Oriol Romeu, Alex McCarthy and – playing bit-part roles – Willy Caballero and Theo Walcott. But when it comes to the Premier League matchday XIs, there is every chance Aribo has played more football in his career than up to eight, nine or 10 of his teammates.
Joe Aribo said: “It’s funny because I’ve always felt like the younger player, the shyer player, but now I’ve got to come into my own and step up. There’s a lot of young boys and they’re looking at me, I’ve got to help them. It’s important to have experienced players with the young players in the team. They’re going to learn from us. They’re like sponges, they’ll learn and improve and it’s important to have that around the building.”
Aribo might have to be something of a sponge himself, with Hasenhuttl already suggesting he sees the versatile midfielder’s future as a forward in his squad. The former Staines Town man had deputised all across the middle of the park and even in defence throughout his time under Steven Gerrard in Glasgow. When asked to pick his best position of the bunch.
Joe Aribo said: “I’d probably say number 10, behind the striker. I played as a right 10, in that position there I enjoyed playing but I’m happy to do anything for the team.”
