Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo has come in for high praise from Sky Sports pundit Kevin Thomson for having played the highest number of games of any player in Europe this season.
Aribo has played 63 games for club and country so far in the 2021/22 season, helping Rangers proceed to the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League along the way.
Thomson stated that Aribo has been exceptional for the last 24 months which is why he is one of the first names on the team sheet at Rangers and Nigeria.
Joe Aribo crucial for Rangers, Super Eagles
In his column for The Scottish Sun, Thomson noted that Aribo might be feeling the effects of having played so many games this season but believes the Super Eagles star can dig in deeper till the end of the season.
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Thomson wrote: "I’m sure he must be feeling it a little bit, but this is the time of the season you need to dig deep and forget the fatigue.
"The phenomenal number of games he has played so far highlights just how important he is to Rangers and Nigeria.
"He is now one of the first names on the team-sheet for both of them."
Thomson hails Aribo's versatility
The Sky Sports pundit highlighted Aribo's versatility with the 25-year-old having played across various positions this season including as a left-back and a striker.
“Joe has played in so many different positions for Rangers over the past few seasons," Thomson said.
"He is the type of player who can play anywhere across the middle and in any of the front three positions.
“He also played left-back in a game under Steven Gerrard last season, so that just shows his versatility.
Van Bronckhorst trusts Aribo
The former Rangers midfielder stated that Aribo has become a favourite of the Gers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst, as evident in the Dutchman's trust of the Super Eagles star.
Thomson said: "He is a brilliant guy to have in your squad and he is clearly one the manager really trusts.
"Being at his excellent best week in, week out is difficult when you are asked to do so many different roles. But his performance levels for the last 24 months have been exceptional.”
Aribo is in line to start as a striker for Rangers this Thursday when they face RB Leipzig for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League semifinals at the Ibrox Stadium. The Van Bronckhorst-led side have a 1-0 deficit from the first leg courtesy of an 85th-minute goal from Angelino in the first leg last week Thursday.