Rangers transfer scouting: The silky Argentine capable of enhancing midfield options

Given the club's position in the food chain, this is a natural outcome.

There are several names touted to leave. Some are educated guesses whilst others have been subjected to a barrage of rumours. Only one individual fits both criteria and that is Joe Aribo. It seems a matter of time until Aribo heads south, with the most likely suitors appearing to be Southampton. 

So much has been made of Aribo’s ironman-like campaign, which saw him rack up the most appearances on the continent. When coupled with his obvious talent and unique skill-set, Rangers are in for a challenge in attempting to find a replacement. However, it is far from impossible, so let’s establish what the club will lose if Aribo departs and some individuals who, in one way or another, come close to matching or usurping his contribution at Ibrox.

What will we lose if Aribo Leaves?

Versatility, Versatility, Versatility.

It would be quicker to name the positions Aribo hasn’t played whilst at Rangers than the opposite. The list is short (right-back, centre-back, and goalkeeper). This is a testament to Aribo’s diverse physical and technical tools, which saw him deployed effectively anywhere in midfield or attack with a positive return. Aribo’s height and a surprisingly strong frame are seldom appreciated, as he can physically compete with almost any opponent. He's also successfully transitioned to a completely different role for his national team, playing as something resembling a No.6.

Aribo is a fantastic ball progressor, utilising his velcro touch, strong upper body, and sneakily good pace. Beyond that, he is excellent at operating in tight spaces across the pitch. The midfielder provides a steady stream of shot creation and shot-taking and is effective at almost every level of play, whether that be breaking the lines, playing as a wall, or finding the open teammate for a tap-in.

The radar below is about as well-rounded as you can find for an attack-minded No.8. His overall “rating” saw him finish third for all central-midfielders in the Scottish Premiership last year. He consistently appeared one of the most technically proficient on every pitch he played on whilst at Rangers, whether in the Europa League or domestic competition.

The sole slight one could make is that Aribo occasionally lacked consistency. Not in the sense that he was incapable of stringing together acceptable performances on the regular. Rather, it was his lack of big-game performances that often provoked criticism. 

The 25-year-old appears a hard-working and likeable guy, which is paramount when playing as one of the link-men between defence, midfield, and attack.

Recruiting a replacement may prove difficult given the Nigerian's well-rounded profile. However, with a decent chunk of change received, it should prove possible.

Below are three options that would provide adequate contingencies should Aribo depart this summer.

Franco Cristaldo, CA Huracan

Data Profile Similarity: 79.88%

Franco Cristaldo, a 25-year-old former Boca Juniors central midfielder has quickly become one of the best midfielders in South America, and in all fairness, outside of Europe.

The fantastic South American football writer @spyfutbol dubbed Cristaldo as “one of the best midfielders in South America currently” and was “genuinely amazed that there has been no concrete interest in him” in response to a tweet of mine.

As seen below, Cristaldo’s output is similar to Aribo’s, which is an incredible barometer. Cristaldo profiles as more creative, a better ball progressor and a marginally stronger defender, while Aribo comes out better aerially, as a dribbler, and when passing the ball.

Cristaldo is doing all of this for a far less dominant Huracan side than Aribo’s Rangers, so it would appear that Argentinan’s output is scalable. Cristaldo’s data profile can be seen below.

Cristaldo is an incredibly silky and clever dribbler, manoeuvring through countless bodies within a single passage of play. He is an effective and intelligent creator, constantly attacking angles, playing in teammates with devastatingly well-placed through balls and playing with a hubris that is only possible given the outrageous technique he possesses.

Most importantly, the midfielder is incredibly effective and consistent in the final third, scoring and assisting with great regularity. He’s an intelligent runner, so he is often found in the right place at the right time. Still, he also can fall back on his solid shooting ability, allowing him to pose a threat outside the box. Also a real set-piece threat, Cristaldo is proven to be valuable from any angle, whether the goal is finding a teammate or the back of the net.

The Huracan player possesses a visible and impressive work ethic. He chases long balls, joins counter-attacks and generally exhausts himself by the game's end. Though not massive in any capacity, he does have the requisite physical tools that should allow him to assimilate effectively to Scottish and European football in a greater sense.

There would be worse ways to replace Aribo than with a silky Argentine goalscoring-midfielder.

Rassoul Ndaiye, Sochaux

Data Profile Similarity: 77.68%

Data Profile Similarity (Aerial Ability Removed): 94.97%

As detailed in an earlier article of mine, Ligue 2 is a pantheon of potential, littered with dynamic high-end talent available for largely nominal fees. Rassoul Ndaiye didn’t find himself in that initial article, as he played a limited-part role for Sochaux at the time of publication. Regardless, come the end of the 2021/22 season, and Ndaiye had emerged as an interesting talent immediately ready for a step-up.

READ MORE: The John Lundstram 'upgrade' available on a free from Russia

Ndiaye maintained similar output to Aribo last season. However, it becomes a near mirror image when “aerial ability” is removed, coming to a 94.97% similarity. Even with his poor aerial rating, Ndaiye stands above six feet, so he is equipped with the physical tools to remedy this deficiency. Beyond this, he has very little in his game that needs immediate repair, which is a fantastic stage for any player to be at, let alone a 20-year-old.

Ndaiye is the most defensive-minded player on this shortlist, playing best as a box-to-box No.8 instead of a No.10; even his defensive statistics leave a bit to be desired. He would fit perfectly as the more aggressive and attacking partner in the double pivot we find in Giovanni van Bronckhorst's 4-2-3-1 system and could play anywhere in a three-man midfield. His data profile below corroborates the assertion.

Ndaiye is reminiscent of Glen Kamara when it comes to his press-resistant abilities. He’s confident enough on the ball and in tight spaces to remain calm and find a passing lane, or take on a barrage of defenders with his excellent touch and body orientation. 

His final-third activity is primarily born out of intelligent movement; he remains a largely average ball-striker, though this can be worked on and improved. Generally, the youngster boasts an exciting mix of attacking and defensive tendencies and a physique appropriate for Scottish Football.

If you want a mix of Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo to replace the latter, this is your guy.

Darius Olaru, FCSB

Data Profile Similarity: 77.22%

Rangers already have one exciting and ambipedal Romanian at the club; why not get another?

Olaru is one of Romania’s best domestic talents and has been linked with several moves over the past 18 months, with a plethora of clubs in England, Italy, and Germany supposedly interested in the 24-year-old.

He shared a 77.22% similarity to Aribo’s output last season, indicating an excellent campaign and genuine similarity, although the players do deviate stylistically. Olaru is far shorter and, as a result, can harness his low-centre-of gravity more prominently than Aribo and is a true offensive No.8, also capable of filling in at No.10.

He shares an excellent dribbling ability with Aribo while maintaining a similar influence in the final third. His data profile below paints a clear picture, reminiscent of everything currently voided in the Rangers midfield.

Regarding his technical abilities, it reads like a list of demands you’ve likely seen on Twitter for any prospective Rangers midfielder. Olaru is a great ball-striker, both close and far from goal. He has excellent vision, often made a reality by good technique and a vast passing range. His quick feet, coupled with the aforementioned low centre of gravity, allow him to be a diminutive and incredibly difficult to stop dribbler. The midfielder also remains a threat when playing in the wide channels and delivers a surprisingly good cross. He lives in the half-spaces, forcing defenders to constantly stick or twist and push the limits of the opponent's communication. It's effortless to imagine him involved in slick interplay with any number of Rangers teammates.

FCSB’s eccentric owner, Gigi Becali, may price any bidder out of a move, as he has done so to many clubs in the past when bids arrive for prized assets. However, the lure of potential Champions League football, titles and a perfect stepping stone to the big five leagues may entice Olaru to convince Becali to stop his antics.