The vast majority of Liverpool fans were pleased to see the back of Raheem Sterling. Despite his overwhelming talent and potential, the youngster’s attitude and reputation among the national press became an unwanted distraction.
However, the man perhaps best pleased to see Manchester City make their move, was Jordon Ibe. The teenager was in fine form during the second-half of last season and will be well aware that his former teammate’s departure should leave the door open for him to take advantage.
It’s not hard to see the similarities between Sterling and Ibe in terms of their playing style – both are natural wingers whose games are based on their speed, while Ibe’s strength also suggests that he could adapt to a No. 10 role in the future.
SEE MORE:
Liverpool ready to sell two players following Christian Benteke signing
Brendan Rodgers press conference: Benteke, Balotelli questions & more
(Video & Images) Roberto Firmino arrives in Liverpool, heads to Melwood!
There will still be plenty of competition for places next season, following the arrivals of Roberto Firmino, Danny Ings and Divock Origi – who all play in attacking positions – but Ibe is hoping that this will be a big year in his career.
“Football is about chances,” he told the Liverpool Echo. “Raheem is a great player but hopefully now I will get a chance to play and prove to the manager that I can play in the Premier League.”
Ibe has also backed summer signing Nathaniel Clyne to make a big impact at Anfield this season. The England international, who has joined us from Southampton, replaces Glen Johnson at right-back.
“Nathaniel has got a lot of pace, he can get up and down the line and he’s a great defender. He showed that last season playing for Southampton in the Premier League. Hopefully he can also get us a few goals and we know what he will bring us defensively like a lot of the new players, Joe Gomez as well.
“All of the signings that have come in are great players. I’m enjoying playing on the wing with Nathaniel and all of the new players have done well, and they have obviously got a few goals as well.”