The fall of Jordon Ibe – from Liverpool promise to Pride Park
Liverpool’s academy has often offered a conveyor belt of talent.
The famous Kirkby and Melwood setup has birthed world class football brains. From the early days of Billy Liddell, Ian Callaghan and Phil Thompson – to the more recent graduates of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen.
And who can forget today’s prodigy, Trent Alexander-Arnold.
These are specific examples across generations. There has been barren spells in which the academy produces prospects that don’t establish themselves as long-term Liverpool footballers.
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Fans love a young player and always get behind an academy graduate – often leading to misconceptions of their actual ability.
Three of which in recent years have ended up in the same destination. Championship side Derby County.
As the three are from different generations of Liverpool talent, they each are at different stages of their careers. So how have they gone so far? And what do Derby supporters think of their potential in white?
Part Two – Jordon Ibe
There is already a written piece on Rush The Kop on the brief career so far of Jordon Ibe, and how Raheem Sterling potentially had an unaware hand in it’s demise.
But, for brief review, I will go over his career in swift fashion.
Arriving at Liverpool from Wycombe in 2011, he would have to wait two years for his first team debut – in Jamie Carragher’s final Liverpool game, against QPR. He picked up man of the match.
Years of growth with a loan spells at Derby and Birmingham City in between saw Liverpool fans excited for his development – immediate comparisons were made with Raheem Sterling.
The latter left for big money, and Ibe was expected to fill his shoes, which was a part of his downfall.
He flourished inconsistently in Klopp’s first season, but his future still seemed bright. So it came as a surprise when he was sold to Bournemouth the following summer.
The £15 million price tag seemed absurd though, and it was proven thus with Ibe’s output over the next four years.
He would score just three times in 78 appearances under Eddie Howe at the Cherries – with Ibe’s featuring just twice in 2019/20.
This had a detrimental effect on Ibe’s mental health – but a recent social media post, and his return to Derby, will hopefully work wonders and bring out the talent that is so clearly in there.
Here’s what two Rams fans had to say on Ibe’s signing at Pride Park:
"“Ibe is a player that everyone is excited about, he was fantastic on loan in 2015 but we’re aware that he’s had a few rough years so we’re prepared to give him time in the hope he returns to form.Jacob Hackett"
"When we signed Jordon Ibe I feel most of the fans were happy with him joining, because he’s been on loan to us before from Liverpool and he was very good then.He’s still young, has potential and with our support we can get his confidence boosted again.Tyler Tarft"
Next. LFC teammate has made a dire claim about the club's goalkeeper situation. dark
Why do you think Jordon Ibe never made it at Anfield?