Ivan Juric, Southampton’s head coach has hinted that the Super Eagles midfielder would be used as a makeshift midfielder ahead of the FA Cup clash against Championship side Burnley, stating that his strong physique and confidence on the ball have easily helped him to make that tactical tweak, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
Aribo who was on target as the Saints claimed a much-needed victory over Ipswich Town played about 45 minutes in the defense but Juric has admitted that although he’s an option to play in the defense line, it’s not a decision that he would be willing to make for time to time, only when necessary so that the player can be protected.
As per Daily Echo, Juric stated; “I think it’s not natural, but he can because I think when you play three back, you don’t need classical centre backs.
“You need players that can play against fast players, and it’s much more important to be fast than maybe it is to be tall.
“It’s like a different concept of football and maybe (James) Bree is doing well as a right-centre-back because he has these characteristics for the position.
“And Aribo, normally if I use him always there, he will go down, because mentally he’s a midfielder and he wants to attack. But sometimes, he’s a great guy, he can do it”, he concluded.
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
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