Joe Aribo’s season has been one of frustration and here’s why he must seek a potential way out of Southampton
Southampton are now enjoying a season of growth under Russell Martin, with the club sitting in a position that many outsiders would have predicted before the Championship season began in August.
The former Swansea City manager wasted little time in asserting his authority on the Saints, who, despite the occasional hiccup, have continued to probe with Martin’s well-documented possession-heavy style of play.
When everything clicks, the Saints are one of the most appealing sides to watch in the second tier, but that doesn’t negate the potential negatives for those within the squad, as Joe Aribo can attest.
Joe Aribo’s frustrating time at Southampton FC
Only two seasons ago, the midfielder scored in Rangers’ Europa League Final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville, indicating that his potential is greater than his current employers’.
However, due to a change in circumstances following Russell Martin’s appointment, the Nigerian’s miserable stint on the South Coast has continued, with 12 of his 15 appearances so far coming as a substitute – this after appearing in just 21 of Southampton’s Premier League matches previous season.
Joe Aribo compared with other midfield options
One of those reasons is the addition of Flynn Downes to the Saints’ midfield. Ironically, the guy who needed no introduction to Martin from his previous experience at Swansea has also appeared in 15 games, but has only started 14 of them, pushing Aribo down the pecking order.
That was until the West Ham loanee became unwell, allowing Aribo to start successive games for the first time this season against Watford and Coventry City.
Downes has averaged 83 minutes per game to the Nigerian international’s 27, but their comparative stats across the season isn’t that different, with Downes merely tending to win possession more often due to a naturally more defensive mindset.
As previously mentioned, Downes’ absence paved the way for Aribo to perform 6.8 and 6.9 ratings in Saints’ last two draws, which means it seems likely that if the 24-year-old is available for selection, a change in midfield would seem likely and once again frustrating.
“Definitely as an….” – Aribo stance revealed
Following the 1-1 draw in the West Midlands, Aribo revealed his preferred position in Martin’s lineup. However, with others succeeding well in their respective roles, such as Shea Charles and Stuart Armstrong, it appears that a move away would most likely give such an opportunity.
“Definitely as an eight, as a box-to-box midfielder. Getting to face a man up.” He told the Daily Echo.
“For me, I just want to affect the game as much as I can and in the eight I feel like I have more opportunity to do that.
“In there, I can help out defensively as well so it’s just about being as involved in the game as I can be.” Aribo concluded.
While there have been no rumors of a probable departure, the 27-year-old is running out of possibilities to put himself in the shop window ahead of January.
This raises the prospect of his career truly stagnating.
As a result, even a six-month loan to a European club would be incredibly beneficial, providing both Aribo and Southampton the opportunity to analyze any options at the end of the season.
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