Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has hailed the talent of of exciting young attacker Jordon Ibe, and hinted that he could play a bigger part in first team affairs during the second half of the season.
When asked about Ibe during his pre-Aston Villa press conference today, Rodgers enthused:
"Ibe has been outstanding in training.
"He's in no rush to go out [on loan], but at some point we'll have to get him regular game time.
"For now, he's at a really good level; He's learning all the time, he has opportunities to play, and he can be a great player for us in the future".
Rodgers also revealed that Ibe had recently struggled with injury, but confirmed that he's fit and raring to go now, which could mean he gets the opportunity for more first team appearances over the next few months.
Given the paucity of the squad, using Ibe seems like a logical progression, and in the two games he's played so far, the 18-year old has looked assured and comfortable on the ball.
Discussing Ibe on the 5 Times Podcast recently, Anfield legend John Aldridge raved:
"It was a stroke of genius from the manager to play Jordon Ibe in the last game of the season. Sterling has a challenge on now, and it should bring out the best in both of them. I’ve always liked him [Ibe]. He has blistering pace; directness; positivity; knows where the goal is, and can create".
Jamie Carragher is also a fan of Ibe, and in August, he told the Daily Mail:
"Ibe Made his Premier League debut on the day that I retired last May. He is a fearless young winger, quick and strong with an eye for goal. He has done well during the pre-season and I expect to be hearing a lot more about him".
Ibe and Sterling started together against Notts County in the Capital One Cup earlier this season, but in the Premier League, it's likely at some point - as Aldo suggests - that they'll be challenging each other for a first team spot.
From watching them both in youth set-up over the last couple of years, Ibe arguably has greater potential than Sterling. He is more technically sound, a better dribbler, and seems to be stronger on the ball. Of course, end product is what matters, and at the moment, Sterling has the edge on that front, but he has much more first-team experience at this stage.
Also, to be fair to Sterling, his body strength seems to have exponentially improved, and Rodgers recently described him as one of the 'pound-for-pound, one strongest players I've ever seen'.
Thankfully, it seems unlikely that Ibe will follow Sterling's lead and get involved in distracting off-field legal scrapes. He seems very grounded, and he underlined the influence of his family in an interview with the official site this week:
"They keep me grounded. My stepdad keeps me humble with football. When I've played good he says I could do better. He doesn't want it to get to my head, and my mum's pretty much the same".
Author: Jaimie K
When asked about Ibe during his pre-Aston Villa press conference today, Rodgers enthused:
"Ibe has been outstanding in training.
"He's in no rush to go out [on loan], but at some point we'll have to get him regular game time.
"For now, he's at a really good level; He's learning all the time, he has opportunities to play, and he can be a great player for us in the future".
Rodgers also revealed that Ibe had recently struggled with injury, but confirmed that he's fit and raring to go now, which could mean he gets the opportunity for more first team appearances over the next few months.
Given the paucity of the squad, using Ibe seems like a logical progression, and in the two games he's played so far, the 18-year old has looked assured and comfortable on the ball.
Discussing Ibe on the 5 Times Podcast recently, Anfield legend John Aldridge raved:
"It was a stroke of genius from the manager to play Jordon Ibe in the last game of the season. Sterling has a challenge on now, and it should bring out the best in both of them. I’ve always liked him [Ibe]. He has blistering pace; directness; positivity; knows where the goal is, and can create".
Jamie Carragher is also a fan of Ibe, and in August, he told the Daily Mail:
"Ibe Made his Premier League debut on the day that I retired last May. He is a fearless young winger, quick and strong with an eye for goal. He has done well during the pre-season and I expect to be hearing a lot more about him".
Ibe and Sterling started together against Notts County in the Capital One Cup earlier this season, but in the Premier League, it's likely at some point - as Aldo suggests - that they'll be challenging each other for a first team spot.
From watching them both in youth set-up over the last couple of years, Ibe arguably has greater potential than Sterling. He is more technically sound, a better dribbler, and seems to be stronger on the ball. Of course, end product is what matters, and at the moment, Sterling has the edge on that front, but he has much more first-team experience at this stage.
Also, to be fair to Sterling, his body strength seems to have exponentially improved, and Rodgers recently described him as one of the 'pound-for-pound, one strongest players I've ever seen'.
Thankfully, it seems unlikely that Ibe will follow Sterling's lead and get involved in distracting off-field legal scrapes. He seems very grounded, and he underlined the influence of his family in an interview with the official site this week:
"They keep me grounded. My stepdad keeps me humble with football. When I've played good he says I could do better. He doesn't want it to get to my head, and my mum's pretty much the same".
Author: Jaimie K
Depth depth depth depth depth.
ReplyDeleteWell Sterling is in the box seat with his performance level of late, yet Ibe is immensely strong physically with the same pace and creative instinct. Ibe really can use his strength to get at defenders and can finish too, I would have said Ibe was the better player but now Sterling has improved it's not as easy to say that......................I guess they are both going to add a lot to Liverpool in the coming seasons.
ReplyDeleteSize is the main advantage Ibe has i believe. Both are fast and tricky but sometimes it pays to have a little more beef.
ReplyDeleteBut im just happy to have the problem of deciding which one of OUR players will be better. Betters ours than theirs
It's difficult eh???
ReplyDeleteIbe is a terrific prospect with brilliant feet and a powerful shot. Like most young players, how his decision making progresses will be the most important factor in whether or not he "makes it". I was at the Notts County match, and I thought he was excellent, bar his final decisions. Which bring you to the next problem, us lot. A lot of people at the game were berating him for giving the ball away instead of applauding the fact he had just been on a mazy run, tricking his way past 3 players. I ended up shouting up to them to get behind him and support the team, but it really highlights the point. If Rodgers puts him in the side, he has to be able to perform, or have the mental strength to deal with the criticism that comes his way. It sounds like he is well placed to do this with his family keeping him grounded.
ReplyDeleteHe is a genuinely good prospect, with a good work ethic which I think will see him go a long way. He actually got injured playing for the u18s having asked to drop down a level to get a game and help out his team mates. For now though, Sterling has raised the bar with his clever runs to break the offside trap and improved finishing and deliveries into the box. Let's hope Ibe can respond and in a couple of years we could see more of that all English front line from the Notts County game (Sturridge, Sterling, Ibe)
Most fans are saying we need a winger forgetting that we can call on Ibe if need be.
ReplyDeleteThere is no need to make panic buys people and CL football will allow us to sign Champions League quality players so waiting till the summer window is the better option.
Jordan Ibe is a fantastic player. i think BR should find a way to introduce Ibe, Seyi Ojo, Jerome Sinclair and Harry Wilson. If BR gives them the game time now, they will get plenty loan oppurtunities in future. i like those 4 in particular. Seyi Ojo reminds me of Mesut Ozil with his very smart playmaking. Harry Wilson is currently our biggest talent and at 16, hes got massive potential. he can be our Mohamed Salah. he finds space for himself on the RW all the time, just like Salah. Wilson is extremely talented, and theres something about his game that reminds me of Messi. BR should develop him to the star we know he can be. Sinclair should be our backup striker as he is better than borini and aspas. Sinclair has all the tools and can be the next Sturridge.
ReplyDeleteSorry, most of that is completely untrue. Ojo is nothing like Ozil, Dembele would be a better comparison. When he plays in the centre its about strong driving runs, not delicate touches and weighted passes. He is also barely ready for u21 football let alone first team. Same for Wilson and Sinclair. The step up between u21 and first team level is huge and they are not even at u21 level yet. If you over-promote too much there's a big risk of killing their confidence. When Borini dropped down to u21 level he scored for fun, the defending is nowhere near prem level, nor is the physicality. Rossiter and Branagan are both much nearer the first team and rightly so.
ReplyDeleteNot better, but different. I'm increasingly impressed with Sterling's team play. He initially reminded me of Robinho, and I think he must have based his game on him; that habit of drifting into hard-to-mark positions, the cut inside and shot, and the stepover, all trademark features of Robinho's game. But Robinho didn't have Sterling's appetite for the challenge, and his running wasn't always as direct -- partly because he had a better cross than Sterling possesses right now. He is growing with every game, though; testament to the coaching ability of our manager, his focus on education and development.
ReplyDeleteIbe is a completely different prospect; one of the new kind of distinctively English winger. Tough, quick feet, flair: Mason Bennett at Derby, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Redmond at Norwich, Zaha, maybe Noone at Cardiff too. Salah is of this type, too. All pacy and bursty, with brilliant ability to beat the first man in a dribble, carrying the ball outside-in, looking for draw defenders for cutbacks and 1-2s around the box. But what else do these guys need to have? A finish; intelligent movement off the ball; endurance and focus; defensive understanding, especially of how to prevent counters from the attacking situations they set up; a contribution at set pieces... it seems to me Ibe is short in these areas right now, whereas Sterling has more dimensions to his game. As I say, right now. Hopefully Ibe can develop; a loan would be good for him.
I believe we will qualify for the Champions League this season. There is quite a bit counting in our favour. No European football plus Arsenal, Spurs, Everton, City and Chelsea all need to visit Anfield before the season ends.
ReplyDeleteSo far we are well on course averaging 2 points per game plus goals are flowing and with Sturridge back it will only make us more dangerous.
It is quite amazing the progress that is being made under Rodgers in only one and a half seasons...
Rodgers also said in another interview that Ibe is between youth and first team. He indicated he is not really ready yet. Whereas Sterling has been one of our better performers recently, yet with only thin info to go on people think Ibe will be better. I don't understand that myself. I usually base things on what I see.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong I am not putting 100% blame on Benitez and you probably are right with Babels mind set however IMO Benitez was never any good at handling young players. We saw time and time again Benitez bring in young players and then they disappear or he used them so sparingly that they weren't match fit. Physical fitness and match fitness are two different things. Match fitness is the decision making. If you already knew that then ok but some people don't realise what is meant by match fitness.
ReplyDeleteOn your other comment about not realising him being on the pitch all I will say is that there are established players who are guilty of this. Also I would point out there are games where you forget Coutinho is on the pitch and his impact is zero. Yes he looks like he has more potential than Babel did but Babel did show potential.
I'm just glad we have these options. During the Benitez era we had no youth making any sort of impact so I'm happy we have young players coming in.
ReplyDeleteI still think Ibe is more composed than Sterling and better technically but Sterling has that experience on his side. Would love to see them cements 1st team places together. Both on each wing.
Excellent comment mate, excellent.
ReplyDeletegood point. there are options there.
ReplyDeletesterling is just like downing both beat defenders but the final ball into the box is crap
ReplyDeleteI loved Sterling holding up the ball with that big Stoke defender climbing all over him last Sunday. He stood that guy off, waited for Suarez to be free, weighted a nice little pass to him that Suarez lifted to Sturridge who put it in the net. I don't think the Sterling of August pulls that off so it was exciting to watch.
ReplyDeleteThe difference is Downing is 29 and Sterling is 19. You would expect more from Downing with 10 years more experience. That's why he was such a disappointment. Sterling is a rising talent and those things will come...sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteApart that Downing is 10 years his senior.
ReplyDeleteage is only a number ,you have it or you don't and sterling final ball is poor, rooney ,owen were world stars at19 so age doesn"t come into it
ReplyDeleteJordan Ibe might actually get some play time? Halla-freakin-leu yah! I am amazed this idea has taken so long...............
ReplyDeleteCheers!
ReplyDeleteAnd Downing can't beat player....
ReplyDeleteSpot on Jamie Sterling looked super light weight but them weight gainers and mad work in the gym has paid off. Last match i watched him muscle his way out of a corner situation vs 2 defenders plus his defending ability is always underated and never mentioned. Vs Notts BR dropped Sterling to right back when he had lost a man cuz of injury.
ReplyDeleteWhat a ridiculous comment age is very much important and many top players were not stars like Owen at 18 or 19.
ReplyDeleteIbe's no ordinary player. He's a beast, and it will be a great thing when BR finally decides the time is right. BR is developing that hunger in him now so that when he's get a crack anything in his path will be destroyed. He's going to be some player by the time he reaches 22.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, He has shown alot of development the last few months.
ReplyDeleteAge is not only a number. It tells you that you have experience and that you have been around for a while. Downing has more experience but not much more to show than Sterling
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to see young talent brought along slowly - giving them too much too soon can be just as destructive as not giving them enough opportunity to develop, as has happened at Liverpool in recent years (where we've seen endless 'decent' players brought into the first team squad for big money at the expense of our own younger talent).
ReplyDeleteIf Ibe could somehow get up to 180 mins of game time this year, that will be more than enough to position him to kick on next year when we'll have more games to spread around the squad.