There really is no need to directly replace Raheem Sterling when Jordon Ibe is fit and raring to go
Ibe only played half an hour in Brisbane, but the opposition defence simply couldn’t handle his direct running, power and pace. He’s almost as good on the ball as the departed Raheem Sterling already, but he’s more ferocious, and physically more impressive. His development will speed up by the fact we don’t have Sterling blocking his path to the first-team, and actually – a multimillion winger arrival would only block Ibe’s progression. The 19-year-old could have scored a blinder today, but was kept out excellently by the opposition stopper when he attempted to blast into the top corner from wide. Ibe is one of the most exciting talented to come out of our academy in many seasons, and we need to nurture him appropriately. Sterling leaving is a benefit to him, and eventually, hopefully us, too.
