Opinion : Three things to like from Aribo's friendly debut for Southampton against Leipzig
Published: July 16, 2022
Arguably the biggest Nigerian transfer story so far this summer transfer window, Joe Aribo has made his friendly debut for his new club Southampton against German club Leipzig today.
The Saints started their pre-season tour with a defeat against RB Leipzig with goals from Angelino, Forsberg and a long-range powered effort from Moriba enough to seal the win for the German side.
Southampton were only able to grab a consolation goal through Adam Armstrong who flicked a header in off the post.
Despite the game ending in a defeat for Southampton, there were many things to like about Aribo's performance and three of them will be highlighted below.
Combinational play
In the 8th minute of the game, Aribo showed great combinational play by interchanging with his teammates in quick one-twos with that sequence of play ending up in a cracking shot from Diallo.
Aribo's energy, balance and technique all came to the fore in that single sequence.
Pressing
As he usually did while at Rangers, Aribo tried to lead the press from the front. While he was largely unsuccessful due to Southampton's incoherent pressing scheme which still needs a lot of work.
Understanding with Walker-Peters
It is not yet known if Aribo would be deployed in the centre of midfield or on the right side very often. However, one obvious thing was that he quickly forged an understanding with Saints right-back Kyle Walker-Peters.
Partnerships are important in football and Ralph Hasenhüttl may look to build on this one.
While it is still early stages and everything hasn't been done at the top end, the signs are definitely likeable and Aribo would be hoping to make more impressions.
Sofoluwe Mayowa
Photo Credit : southamptonfc.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Team news: Chelsea boss Pochettino confirms Lesley Ugochukwu will not face Tottenham
- Ola Aina names Man Utd legend as toughest opponent he's faced, Chelsea icon as best player he's played with
- Transfer journalist insists highly-coveted Nigerian CB will join Tottenham and not Newcastle
- From the dusty streets to the bright lights: Inspiring stories of African football players
- 'We had reports of a done deal' - Fabrizio Romano reveals the truth about Tosin to Newcastle rumours
- Super Eagles striker Dessers battles James Tavernier, 3 others for Rangers Player of the Month
- Arsenal midfielder eligible for Super Falcons, USWNT named in England 20-player squad for U17 EURO
- Confirmed team news: Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu doubtful to face Tottenham Hotspur
- Chelsea boss Pochettino highlights one area where he wants to see improvement from Madueke
- Newly-promoted Turkish club ready to challenge Trabzonspor for signing of Southampton loanee Onuachu
Football News 24/7
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football