Nigeria international midfielder Joe Aribo ‘s profile continues in ascendancy after he was rated as the second best behind only Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard for the most ball-wins in the opposition third, across all of Europe’s top five leagues.
According to English tabloid, Daily Echo , noted that Aribo has won possession of the ball in the opposition third 10 times already this season, while Norwegian international Odegaard leads with 11.
Jack Harrison (Leeds United), Adrien Thomasson (Strasbourg) and Jonathan Bamba (Lille) have also turned over 10 but Aribo has played the fewest minutes of the four.
Making up the top 10 includes Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Zambo Anguissa (Napoli), Josh Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Neymar (PSG) and Malo Gusto (Lyon).
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Aribo arrived from Scottish Premiership giants and Europa League finalists Rangers in July, costing Saints just around £6million for his signature.
The Nigerian impressed in pre-season and has started four of the six Premier League matches so far this campaign, scoring during a 2-2 draw with Leeds.
Coach Ralph Hasenhuttl had revealed in pre-season he liked the idea of Aribo playing further forward where he can impact the opposition box.
The 26-year-old has also been used in central midfield, notably following a mid-game tactical tweak during the win at Leicester City.
Aribo could be set to start again when Saints travel to Aston Villa on Friday, September 16, should the Premier League confirm the weekend’s fixtures will go ahead.