Jordon Ibe thinks Jurgen Klopp’s proven track record of turning promising youngsters into world-class players makes him the perfect boss to develop his talents, the official website reports.
And while in the Bundesliga, our new German manager had an unbelievable ability to maximise and inspire youngsters.
He signed Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels, Shinji Kagawa and Ilkay Gundogan for tiny money and turned them into world renowned stars. He also brought in Marco Reus, Piere Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan – all now recognised as top Champions League footballers.
Ibe, who’s started our past two matches, reckons Klopp can do the same for him.
“He obviously did a great job at Borussia Dortmund,” our 19-year-old began.
“The fact that the young players he brought in were a big part of the success is very encouraging for guys like me.
“Of course, those youngsters at Dortmund didn’t just become a little bit better either – some of them, like Robert Lewandowski, have become players who are operating at the highest level in the Champions League.
“Hopefully he can help me and some of the lads here do the same.
“I’m hoping my attributes – pace and strength and being able to go past people – will suit the way he wants to play and I can get some opportunities.”
SEE MORE:
The five players who’ve most impressed under Jurgen Klopp so far
Editor’s column: Why the International break falls at perfect time for Liverpool
Ibe’s right to recognise that his style suits Klopp perfectly. The wonderkid fits on the right-hand side of a 4-2-3-1, far more naturally than any other attacker in our squad. He also has pace and an ability to beat a fullback, which Adam Lallana perhaps does not, for example.
This makes him appropriate for the all-action, counter-attacking, explosive style Klopp’s promised.
Ibe picked up a slight problem at the weekend versus Crystal Palace, but should be fine for the Manchester City clash after the international break.