Day 17 of your Charlton Christmas Calendar sees us looking at Joe Aribo.
The midfielder gets better and better every game and tying him down to a new contract should be paramount.
At 22 he still has a lot to learn but, already a mainstay in the side he is the heartbeat of Lee Bowyer’s team.
He’s tall, quick and a real athlete. That’s before you look at what he can do with the ball.
READ: Bowyer on Aribo rumours
Such has been his emergence in the opening half of the season there have been enquiries from Tottenham, Chelsea and Derby County. There has been interest from the Bundesliga also, all trying to take advantage of the contract fiasco to prise away one of Bowyer’s crown jewels.
Bowyer spoke recently about speculation of Aribo leaving the club but was confident they were nothing more than rumours. “Joe wants to sign, he will sign,” said the manager.
The manager believes that under his and Johnnie Jackson’s tutelage he is in the right place to grow as a player.
“He's playing games and he's learning, he's improving, it's not a rush.”
READ: Midfielder exceeding expectations at The Valley
If there was an area Bowyer wanted the midfielder to improve it would be on the scoresheet. Chipping in with six goals last season he’s already notched five this term which will please Bowyer no end.
He set himself a target of double figures on the scoring chart and he’s on his way to achieving that.
“I want to get as many goals as I can. I love the feeling and I just want to continue doing it,” said Aribo.
He’s been fortunate with injuries this term and has benefitted from an extended run of games for the Addicks, fans will hope his form continues.
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