Afeez Aremu has detailed the dedicated summer training that has powered his Aberdeen FC rise this season. The midfielder said this week that he avoided a vacation to ensure he returned to Pittodrie in peak condition after fitness struggles following his January transfer from Kaiserslautern.
Aremu admitted his initial move was hampered by a cautious training period designed to avoid injury before his medical. "I was not really fit when I came," he said. "But I was pushing, pushing, pushing, every training, every training and doing extra training." His commitment continued through the off-season in Nigeria, where he played football with friends instead of resting. This work has paid off, with Aberdeen winning six of their opening seven matches across all competitions, a stark contrast to last season's inconsistencies.
Aremu's renewed sharpness has been a factor in Aberdeen's strong start. The team sits comfortably in the Premiership's top six, a stated target for the campaign, and has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup. Their recent 3-0 cup victory over Dundee served as immediate revenge for a league defeat the week before. Aremu described the dressing room determination to set the record straight.
Aremu was full of praise for captain Kevin Nisbet, who scored in the cup win over Dundee. The striker's form and leadership are seen as vital. "Everyone knows he's very dangerous in the box," Aremu stated. Nisbet's influence extends off the pitch, where he sets a high standard in training and helps guide younger players. His presence adds significant firepower to an Aberdeen attack that has looked more potent this term. For a full breakdown of the squad's contributions, visit our stats section.
With a refreshed squad and positive momentum, expectations at Pittodrie are growing. Aremu explicitly mentioned winning the Premier Sports Cup and securing European qualification as primary goals, noting manager Stephen Robinson has previously won the cup competition. The team's early run provides a platform, but a demanding fixture schedule lies ahead. Keeping key players fit will be essential, and fans can monitor any availability issues on our injuries page.
The overall mood is one of renewed optimism. Aremu believes the quality of new signings and the collective fitness make this season fundamentally different. His personal journey from a challenging start to a key role embodies the club's current trajectory as they aim to turn strong early form into tangible success.
