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Can Ibe fulfil his potential?
- Updated: November 30, 2016
Jordon Ibe became Bournemouth’s record signing when he joined from Liverpool in July. With the winger having made a mixed start to life with the Cherries, Adam Bate examines the stats that shine a light on his potential… and the areas in which Ibe must improve.
Derby coach Steve McClaren called him “unplayable” during a loan spell. Brendan Rodgers identified his “top class” potential at Liverpool. Eddie Howe feels England should be his aim. But it’s not only coaches talking up the talents of young winger Jordon Ibe.
When Raheem Sterling left Liverpool, John Aldridge soon hailed Ibe as superior. Fellow Reds old boy Jamie Redknapp has since pointed to his greater natural ability. “Anything Raheem Sterling struggles with, Jordon Ibe can do,” he told the Bournemouth Daily Echo in the summer.
It wasn’t mere hyperbole. Brad Smith saw both men up close at Liverpool and Bournemouth. He agreed. But putting talent into practice is the challenge and while Sterling stars for Manchester City, Cherries fans are still waiting to see the best of their £15m record signing.
Ibe was substituted in each of his first 11 Premier League appearances for his new club. In his most recent start, the home defeat to Sunderland, he was withdrawn at half-time, only returning to the team for a second-half run out in the defeat to Arsenal last weekend.
“The only thing Jordon has …
