Martin praises Aribo's amazing attitude
Russell Martin praised the incredible attitude of Joe Aribo after he scored his first goal of the season and turned in a brilliant performance in Southampton’s 5-0 win over Swansea.
Aribo kick-started what turned into an absolute rout at St Mary’s with a 17th-minute goal, capping a string of impressive displays in recent weeks after regaining a place in the team.
Having previously only started one game all season, Aribo has been named in the line-up for each of the past five matches, and he has certainly repaid his manager’s faith.
“He’s been amazing,” said Martin. “He’s had to be so patient. He had to wait for his chance because he came back late because he was away with Nigeria, then got injured, was out for a few weeks.
“And when you miss pre-season it's really tough. And the team was becoming settled at that point and we hadn't seen the best of him because he was fighting for fitness whilst training, whilst the games were going on. It's so difficult.
“But he's been a brilliant teammate, an amazing character as you know. He's humble, works hard, smiling. I've not seen many players or teammates that are as popular as him, even when you're not playing, which is like the biggest credit to him, really.
“So even when he wasn't playing, he wouldn't show frustration with the players. He trained like a beast. He'd come and speak to me and get his frustration out in that way and we had lots of honest conversation. I told him I really rate him as a player. I saw what he did up in the Old Firm. I played there, I was terrible, so I know how difficult it is up there. The expectancy there and the expectation and then he comes here in the Premier League and hasn't had a brilliant time.
“So he was so frustrated and desperate to get to show what he can do. So he had to wait for his moment and then it's come and he's been incredible, really, really amazing.
“I’m really grateful to him that he persisted, and the players are enjoying him being in the team. They trust him and I think the players are really enjoying it as well.
“I said to him today before the game, no credit to me at all, but I said you have a chance to score today. I said Sam Edozie is going to set it up, because they're really tight mates, but he didn't. But he played a part.
“But yeah, I felt like it was coming because he gets in the box relentlessly. He works so hard for the team out of possession and in and I've really enjoyed his performances.”
