With talk of Raheem Sterling’s contract issues dominating the talk around Liverpool football club at the moment, iconic figure Phil Thompson has shifted his attentions towards another young star at the club, tipping Jordon Ibe for a big future.
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The winger, who is on the verge of signing a new deal according to Mail Online, returned for the Reds for the visit of Newcastle United on Monday night after missing the last six weeks with a knee problem picked up in the second leg of the Europa league tie against Besiktas.
After returning from a loan spell at Championship side Derby County in January, the 19-year-old went straight into first team contention and was handed a start in the Merseyside derby against Everton the following month.
He impressed in that game, picking up the man-of-the-match award and retained his place in the side for the next four games until sustaining the injury in Turkey which halted his progress.
His return to training was hailed by manager Brendan Rodgers last week and the youngster seems to have plenty of admirers around, with former Reds centre-back Thompson talking positively of him to Sky Sports:
“Ibe has got a lot of potential on various different scales. Ability-wise he’s top class.” he said.
“He’s got dribbling ability, he’s got the final ball and he can score goals.”
“Obviously, he’s not an out-and-out striker, but he’s a wide midfield player who’s got goals in him, and that’s something Liverpool have lacked over the years.” he added.