Rodgers: Ibe is Important Because He Creates Goals

Liverpool FC boss Brendan Rodgers has singled out Jordon Ibe’s attacking verve since his return from a loan stint earlier this year as the reason he has figured well in his plans for the Merseyside club.

The 19-year-old has played nine matches since his recall from Championship side Derby County in January and, even started ahead of Lazar Markovic in the goalless draw at West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.

“He’s very important because he’s direct and he wants to create and score goals,” Rodgers is quoted as saying on the club’s official website as telling reporters at Melwood on Monday.

“That is how we’ve worked over a couple of years and it’s epitomised by the style of the team – to be aggressive in attack, create chances and score goals.

“He is very much a young player that gives us that. You’ve seen since he’s come back into the team from his loan period, he’s been really exciting and has wanted to work well.

“He had a spell out with injury and we did miss him – that pace and penetration.”

And with the forward expected to commit his long-term future to Liverpool later this week, Rodgers thinks Ibe requires time to nurture his latent ability, yet insists he can become a significant member of the Merseyside outfit in not-too-distant future.

Jordon Ibe Has featured Well in Brendan Rodgers' 3-4-2-1 System. Image: Getty.
Jordon Ibe Has featured Well in Brendan Rodgers’ 3-4-2-1 System. Image: Getty.

He added: He’s a very good player. But he’s also got this natural talent and you mustn’t forget that. He’s not the type of boy you want to over-coach, either.

“He has to know his function in the team, but he’s got beautiful balance where he can go either way. He is super-fast and his technique is very clean.

“He’s got lovely technique – he could play as a midfield player because he passes the ball really well and has a good idea of the game.

“He’s one of those players that loves to be wide, he loves to be in the duel – and as he gains more games and experience of playing at a great club like this here, he’ll only get better.”