Jordon Ibe

[dww]

I hope we don't have to rely on him like that. If our season goes well I think a big part of it will be the variety of options we have in terms of creative/attacking midfield.

He's a good player already but he has a lot to prove (and improve). I don't see saddling him with big expectations as the best way to go either for him or the team.

[BigChief]

Ibe won't be under the same pressure as Sterling was last season. For example we have Benteke which means Ibe will never be considered as a striker. Then we have Firmino and Lallana fit to take his slot if he starts to feel the strain on his shoulders.

Sterling had none of the above and was asked to carry the whole team which was unfair. (Not that I like the canut anymore).

[Fosterbloke]

I think he'll mostly be an impact sub but also start if his style dictates maximum damage to the opposition.

[Exiled_red]

I see Ibe being in the position Sterling was in a couple of years ago - he is on the fringes of the side and provides a different option (i.e. pace) but is still somewhat raw. I expect him to start the season mostly on the bench and if he does well in cameo / cup appearences, start a few games and if he can establish himself in the side he will play a few games and then get a little break before playing a few more having a break etc so he doesn't get burnt out.

[Mattshark]

I hope we don't have to rely on him like that. If our season goes well I think a big part of it will be the variety of options we have in terms of creative/attacking midfield.

He's a good player already but he has a lot to prove (and improve). I don't see saddling him with big expectations as the best way to go either for him or the team.

[Slinky Skills]

I like him because he's got a 'genuine' type face and seems a decent lad where as Sterling was a rat.

Do people know what I'm talking about here? He just looks an honest lad which gives me a good feeling he will turn out alright. Or maybe I'm just a poor judge of character. lol

[Pablo]

No, you're right, he seems like a good kid. Putting in extra training, avoiding having an agent etc. All good signs.

[frank the tank]

I like him because he's got a 'genuine' type face and seems a decent lad where as Sterling was a rat.

Do people know what I'm talking about here? He just looks an honest lad which gives me a good feeling he will turn out alright. Or maybe I'm just a poor judge of character. lol

agreed....

[Slinky Skills]

Agreed with what I said or that I'm a poor judge of character?

[Camble]

Agreed with what I said or that I'm a poor judge of character?

Yep.

[frank the tank]

Agreed with what I said or that I'm a poor judge of character?

exactly.....










i actually meant that i agreed with what you said...

Good to see you are posting again. How long did that self-imposed exile last in the end???

[Slinky Skills]

Ah right ha ha ha!! Thanks mate, exile lasted around 2 weeks, I was missing the forum too much.

As for Ibe, I've a good feeling about him but still has a lot to prove.

[billy_mac]

Voice of reason or voice of detestation?

I love the idea of Jordan Ibe, but he has done little in two starts and a sub appearance in the PL to suggest he's ready for this level. I think there is a desperation for him to take over Sterlings roll and prove the sale vindicated, but he's not nearly there yet. The opportunity has been given to him but its not been grabbed IMO and £48m vindicates the sale on its own.

It just didn't work for him tonight. Everything bounced off him and he was at least a yard off pace in the tackle. It seemed to me that he has lost a little of his own belief. You get that with young players but I think he's not ready yet on the evidence of the 3 appearances this season. Great to get the exposure for him and its a learning curve but he's not measuring up to standard yet for me. He's got all the attributes to be great and the potential is there but how long do you persist before giving others a go? I'd keep him back until the Uefa campaign and give Markovic a go in his natural position as a sub.

[Shaggy]

Agree with all that. He's really struggled so far and tonight was a nadir for him. Got high hopes for him but he's still naive on the ball, especially in terms of how long he holds on to it, but that's all natural for a 19 year old.

I'd give Markovic his spot on the bench too.

[BobTheCharmer]

As much as it would of hurt the lad, I was screaming at the TV for us to sub him after coming on. He was on his heels too much, off the pace and didn't seemed arsed. If he had been alive and with a bit of anticipation I think he could of nipped in and scored near the end where big Ben was blocked off. Hopefully he will find some form soon.