On Sunday, Jordon Ibe returned to Liverpool's Premier League starting line-up for the first time in three months, and helped Liverpool to a comfortable 2-1 victory over Bournemouth. Last month, Reds legend John Aldridge argued that Ibe has 'lost his way' at Anfield, but according to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, the 20-year old attacker is still on the right path.
In March, Aldo told the Liverpool Echo:
"I’m a little worried about is Jordon Ibe. I’m a huge fan of him as a player but he’s lost his way a little. Things haven’t been going great for him. He needs to get back as quickly as he can".
When asked about Ibe during his post-Bournemouth press conference, Klopp insisted:
“He [Ibe] is still a brilliant, big, big talent which is very good for English football. He did well today with the pass for the first goal, and the cross for the second. I was very happy.”
Ibe has pace and power, but defenders appear to have worked him out already, which is hardly surprising given his MO consists mainly of getting the ball out wide, cutting-in, and then delivering (in most cases) an inaccurate final ball.
For me, Ibe also lacks game intelligence, and with only 3 goals/7 assists in 53 games (Goal every 933 mins. G/A every 280 mins), his end product is not consistent enough to sustain a regular first-team place.
Still, Ibe is only 20, and has the foundations in place to become a better player, but with Sheyi Ojo on the rise, and further attacking players to be signed, will he get the chance to fulfill his potential?
Based on this season's evidence (goal every 658 mins/assist every 489 minutes) it's doubtful.
Author: Jaimie K
In March, Aldo told the Liverpool Echo:
"I’m a little worried about is Jordon Ibe. I’m a huge fan of him as a player but he’s lost his way a little. Things haven’t been going great for him. He needs to get back as quickly as he can".
When asked about Ibe during his post-Bournemouth press conference, Klopp insisted:
“He [Ibe] is still a brilliant, big, big talent which is very good for English football. He did well today with the pass for the first goal, and the cross for the second. I was very happy.”
Ibe has pace and power, but defenders appear to have worked him out already, which is hardly surprising given his MO consists mainly of getting the ball out wide, cutting-in, and then delivering (in most cases) an inaccurate final ball.
For me, Ibe also lacks game intelligence, and with only 3 goals/7 assists in 53 games (Goal every 933 mins. G/A every 280 mins), his end product is not consistent enough to sustain a regular first-team place.
Still, Ibe is only 20, and has the foundations in place to become a better player, but with Sheyi Ojo on the rise, and further attacking players to be signed, will he get the chance to fulfill his potential?
Based on this season's evidence (goal every 658 mins/assist every 489 minutes) it's doubtful.
Author: Jaimie K
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