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.
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