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Liverpool have cut-short winger Jordon Ibe’s loan spell at Derby County and the youngster will report back to Merseyside soon. The Reds had initially sent him out on a season-long loan, but have decided to recall him to help them in their campaign.
The 19-year-old will return to Melwood to join his team-mates and will now be available for Liverpool’s match in the Premier League away at Aston Villa on Saturday.
The situation is a little strange as Ibe can not play for Liverpool in the domestic cup competitions – FA Cup and League Cup, having played in those tournaments for Derby County. But, Ibe will be available for Liverpool in the Premier League and Europa League. Having very little experience in the Premier League, it remains to be seen how Liverpool really use the 19-year-old in those two competitions.
Liverpool have lost attacker Adam Lallana for a month due to injury and have been struggling with goals this season, having Daniel Sturridge injured for the majority of the season. But, Sturridge is back in training and is expected to be fit for the Chelsea game in the League Cup semi-finals. Strikers Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert haven’t set Anfield alight with their performances either and that may have been in manager Brendan Rodgers’ mind in making this decision.
Jordon Ibe is unplayable at times: Steve McLaren
Jordon Ibe has had a successful period at Derby and had scored 5 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions for the Championship side. He helped them reach second position in the Championship and Derby County manager Steve McLaren hailed Ibe as “unplayable at times” last month.
He said, “Jordon is still learning but when he puts it all together, you can see what he is capable of doing. At times, he is unplayable.
“It is not just his work going forward, it is his tracking back and his defending – the discipline side of the game that you need if you want to be a top player.”
McLaren, along with Derby County fans and players, will definitely be sad to see Ibe leave earlier than expected, but Liverpool supporters will be eagerly anticipating his arrival.
Ibe is likened to fellow Liverpool Academy, Kirkby, graduate Raheem Sterling in his playing style and if his growth is on a similar path, there is plenty to be excited about for supporters of the Merseyside club.
