Aribo attributes success at elite level to playing tough non-league football

Super Eagles and Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo insisted the rough and tumble of playing non-league football as a teenager aided his career at the top level.

Born in Camberwell, Aribo featured in the setup at Staines Town in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

He won the club’s academy player of the year accolade in 2014 before stepping up to the first-team level with former Brentford, Wimbledon and Watford striker Marcus Gayle as his manager.

From there, a successful trial at Charlton followed for Aribo to take the next step with a professional club.

He then spent three years at Scottish giants Rangers, before switching to Saints in the summer and scoring his first Premier League goal during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Leeds at St Mary’s.

But Aribo had not forgotten about his non-league roots and believes it was “really important” for him to be exposed to senior football so early.

Asked whether the physicality of non-league stood him in good stead for England’s elite level, Aribo told the Daily Echo: “I think referees let a lot go in non-league, so I think you have to be strong, be resilient and it’s not easy in those leagues.

“I feel like I have always played against older players. Even as a child, I used to play with my brother’s age mates and they are all six or seven years older than me.

“I think that’s really important because you are getting exposure from playing against men. It’s really important for me to go and do that and it’s helped my career right now.”

Aribo did not only have the challenge of playing at part-time level – he knew it was a realistic route to catch the eye and go full-time.

“I didn’t have any knowledge of scouts, agents etcetera but for me – I just needed to work hard,” the Nigeria international replied when asked about the start of his journey.

“I was at Staines Town, I was going to college and that was, for me, my only route and the only way I could see myself getting into pro football.”

Fast forward to the present day and Aribo’s goal against Jesse Marsch’s men last time out has helped his chances to regain a starting spot in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

He started the 4-1 defeat to Spurs in Saints’ Premier League curtain-raiser, before coming on for the final 28 minutes against Leeds to spark a comeback from 2-0 down.

“I think for me, I needed that time to get into the groove of things, to settle. It’s really helped me and I’ve really enjoyed every minute since I have been here,” said the 26-year-old.

“I think it (a competitive goal) is massive for settling.

“Usually, it might take a bit of time to score your first goal but it’s just calmed my nerves and it was important to get it so early.”

Aribo will hope to be involved when Saints make the trip to Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday (3pm).