Friday, 20 February 2015

Jordon Ibe - Anfield's New Hero

Ibe with one of his many explosive runs against Besiktas on Thursday 

Now, before anyone says anything, yes, I know Ibe has only made a handful of appearances since being recalled from Derby and calling him a ‘hero’ is a little farfetched, but he’s really hit the ground running.

After Liverpool’s latest win against Beşiktaş on Thursday, a 1-0 success, pundits and fans alike have been purring at Jordon Ibe’s latest performance. He was so good that he was subsequently awarded the man of the match, underlying his undoubted talent.

His performance was full of energy, skill, directness and intelligence as he has the opposing left back tied up in knots with several runs causing havoc down the right-hand side. After an impressive showing, he wore down the opponent’s defence which eventually lead to him being fouled in the box, winning a penalty for Liverpool – we won’t go there.

It’s unfortunate that the fracas surrounding who took the penalty has taken away the limelight from Ibe, as without it, the football world would surely be all over themselves about how good he could be. Well, Liverpool fans at least.

Jordon Ibe burst onto the scene at a mere 15 when scoring on his starting debut for Wycombe Wanderers in October 2011, a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Signed up by Wycombe as a 12 year old following his release from Charlton, he made remarkable progress, which was shown when they were willing to throw him into the first team at such a tender age.

He didn’t last long at Wycombe. Bigger and better things were on the horizon. Liverpool came calling just after his 16th birthday and signed a deal with the club for an undisclosed compensation fee. He would join up with the u18s.

Ibe has since been out on loan at Birmingham and Derby in the Championship to gain vital first team experience, a system that has proven dividends many times, look at Harry Kane. It was his most recent spell at Derby that caught many onlookers’ attention. With a series of energetic performances he certainly endeared himself to the Derby faithful, which consequently prompted Rodgers to recall him, this was instead of making a signing showing the level of faith he has in Ibe’s ability.

Not long after being recalled, he was handed a start against Everton in the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, his first appearance since his return to the club. In a drab game, Ibe was one of the bright lights of the match, particularly with his thundering effort for outside the box cannoning high off the post after a mazy run. This was a sign of things to come leading to his outstanding display against Beşiktaş yesterday.

His talent seems limitless, much like Raheem Sterling, he can achieve what he wants from the game. Much comparison has been drawn between the two, boasting similar attributes; skill, pace and intelligence. They both have and an understanding of the game that’s remarkable considering their age. Both evidently have a football brain taking up clever positions on the pitch with cunning off the ball runs and astute decision making.

However, Ibe seems to me to have a lot more strength and directness, plus a more powerful shot, something that lets Sterling down on occasions. He has a long way to go to the considered on the same level, but he is certainly on the pathway to stardom providing he keeps his feet on the ground.

He has the fundamental attributes to become a hero at Liverpool.

                                                                                                                                                           

No comments:

Post a Comment