ANDREW EKEJIUBA
Joe Aribo glittered like a million stars while Leon Balogun made an eventual rock-solid debut as Glasgow Rangers secured a 1-0 win over Aberdeen in their first game of the 2020-21 season at the weekend.
Aribo struck three shots, with two on target, made two key passes and had a 100-percent pass-success rate to ensure his side clinched their first win of the season.
The midfielder was recently named the club’s 2019-20 Young Player of the Season, following his impressive showings in the campaign.
Aribo also scooped the Goal of the Season, after his fine effort against Sporting Braga helped the Gers advance into the Round of 16 of the Europa League.
Meanwhile, Balogun displayed a five-star performance at the rear following his eventual debut for Rangers.
The 32-year-old defender joined the Ibrox Stadium outfit from Championship side, Wigan Athletic, after reaching the end of his short-term contract with the Latics.
Balogun teamed up with Wigan, initially on loan from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion before the deal was made permanent. He subsequently played 11 games for the side.
The defender was immediately handed a starting role by manager, Steven Gerrard, after he proved his fitness in training along with his compatriot, Aribo.
Balogun formed a four-man defence along with Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson and James Tavernier and delivered a solid performance.
The former Werder Bremen centre-back made three clearances, blocked one shot, had eight touches and recorded a 100-percent pass-success rate to help the Ibrox Stadium outfit keep a clean sheet in this season’s opener.
Ryan Kent scored the only goal of the game after benefiting from Alfredo Morelos’ assist in the 21st minute.
The Super Eagles duo are expected to help Rangers continue in the winning ways when they take on Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League Round of 16 second leg tie come August 6.