Liverpool are renowned for generating a variety of prolific, promising young players either by purchasing them for extremely low prices or through the academy. As of late, a young player that has caught the eye of Brendan Rodgers and most Liverpool fans is Jordon Ibe, an English 19 year old who is well known for his pace and creativity. In this article I will be analysing Ibe’s time at LFC and how his promising abilities can help Liverpool further their ambitions in the footballing industry.
At the beginning of the season, Brendan Rodgers decided to loan Ibe out to Derby County, to give the youngster some experience which would hopefully increase his knowledge of high-tier football enabling him to be ready for the fast-paced football of the Premier League. During his time at Derby, Ibe managed to bag himself 5 goals in 20 appearances. Personally, I would regard this statistic as pretty impressive as he isn’t a very experienced player. Most Derby fans were sad to see Ibe leave mid-way through the season, as he was recalled by Rodgers who had recognised his talent.
This season, at Liverpool, Ibe has made 3 appearances scoring 0 goals and creating 1 chance on goal. Ibe has a pass accuracy of 96%, with an average pass length of 15m, which doesn’t surprise me as I presume he is playing it safe. He also has a shot accuracy of 67%, which with improvement, could evolve into a vital source of goals for Liverpool Football Club.
Brendan Rodgers recently portrayed his faith in the youngster, as he gave him the opportunity to prove himself in the Merseyside Derby. I have to say Ibe was absolutely sensational in the 0-0 draw against the blue half of Merseyside. Although Ibe failed to score in the game, his 25-yard shot clashed against the woodwork denying him an astonishing goal in an intense derby. His performance was that phenomenal, he picked up the Man of The Match award and a few Liverpool legend’s praised the youngster for his brilliant contribution to the Liverpool side.
Jamie Carragher: “He should be proud of his performance.” “For a 19-year-old kid to make what you would class as his proper Premier League debut and produce the performance he did – going closest to scoring and closest to creating a goal – in an unnatural position, he should be very proud. He was one of the best players on the pitch today.”
Jamie Redknapp: “What I really like about him is the way he strikes the ball,” said Redknapp. “This isn’t a fluke. Some players can do that. That’s a gift. Some players can hit the ball so cleanly. It’s something you can’t teach, it’s something you’re born with. But if you’re defending against him and show him down the line that’s exactly what he’ll do – and he’ll beat you with pace. And if you say to him come inside he goes and you can’t stop him. Do I think he’ll play wing-back long term? No. I think he’ll be a central striker but at the moment, to be in the team, gaining experience is absolutely brilliant for that young man.”
Steven Gerrard described Ibe’s shot as “sensational”, and I have to agree with him.
Jordon Ibe, in my opinion, is the future of Liverpool Football Club. He has insane ability and talent and I hope those aspects of his play continue throughout his time at the club.
I have always said that ibe has more potential then sterling.sterling no doubt is good player but he ain’t that good a shooter and his finishing ain’t very good plus ibe is physically stronger and faster then sterling.