Hutton identifies Bayern Munich star to replace Joe Aribo

Rangers former coach Alan Hutton has identified the latest Rangers' star that he expects will fill the hole left by Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo.

Aribo left the Scottish giants for English Premier League club Southampton this summer transfer window on a deal worth up to £10m.

Before his departure, Aribo was one of the most important players for the Gers, with the Nigerian international featuring in 57 matches for Rangers in all competitions during the 2021/22 season.

Rangers depended on Aribo for assists and goals as he mostly played in attacking midfield and was sometimes used as a false nine, famously in the UEFA Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt.

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However, Hutton believes the Gers have got the right replacement for Aribo in Bayern Munich youngster Malik Tillman.

As reported by Football Insider, Hutton said about Tillman: "He’s definitely got the ability. In the roles that we’ve seen so far, he’s more than capable. 

"He’s shown that he’s a talented young player, he’s only 20 as well. He’s changing clubs, he’s coming to a new country, it’s going to take him time to settle."

The Rangers legend went on to state that just like Aribo, Tillman can carry the ball, get into attacking positions, as well as has an eye for goal.

“He seems like he’s fitting that Joe Aribo role. He likes to get on the ball and make things happen, he knows where the goal is. So I’m looking forward to seeing what he can produce week in week out," Hutton said.

"I think we have seen him in flashes. I thought in the first leg he was really good for the first 15 or 20 minutes and then he maybe faded a little bit. He’s definitely got what it takes. So I think, hopefully, game on game he can become better."

Aribo bagged a total of 26 goals and 25 assists in 148 appearances for Rangers during his three-year stay at the Ibrox Stadium.