JASON MCATEER SAYS Liverpool teenager Jordan Ibe can emulate Raheem Sterling by breaking into the first team this season.
Sterling has established himself as one of the Reds’ biggest attacking assets over the past two seasons and scored nine Premier League goals during the 2013/14 campaign before earning himself a place in England’s World Cup squad.
18-year-old winger Ibe, who signed for Liverpool from Wycombe Wanderers in 2011, spent the second half of last season out on loan with Birmingham where he gained valuable experience in the Championship.
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The England U19 international caught the eye during pre-season and pundit Jason McAteer thinks he could make an impression under Brendan Rodgers this term.
“You see what Sterling achieved last season, someone who’s probably at that level now coming through is Jordan Ibe,” said McAteer. “He’s ready to take the next step after going out on loan to Birmingham next season.
“He’s very exciting, very direct, likes to run beyond the front men and has got an eye for goal. He is another player who has had a very good season after getting a few assists and he is certainly feeling very comfortable in and around the first team squad. He’s is certainly a player I would want to watch.”
Apart from players coming through the ranks, last year’s Premier League runners-up have also been busy in the transfer market with seven new arrivals so far. Of the recent acquisitions, McAteer is most excited by the prospect of former Southampton star Adam Lallana bolstering their attack.
“It’s disappointing that he has picked up this injury but I think Lallana will look fantastic in the Liverpool team the way they play and how he plays,” he added.
“At his age, he is expected to be around the club for a long time and I’m really looking forward to seeing him. You just hope he’s not playing catch-up after missing pre-season.
“Elsewhere, Emre Can is an ideal replacement for Steven Gerrard in that role that Steven’s playing now and will be expected to play a part this season. (Lazar) Markovic is exciting as he can play left, right or through the centre.
Liverpool’s vulnerability last year was at the back and (Dejan) Lovren is a no-messing player who doesn’t take any prisons and is a good international centre-half.
“They’ve lacked organisational skills since Jamie Carragher left the football club and as organising goes he’s up there with Jamie.”
Jason McAteer was in Dublin to launch Vodafone Ireland’s brand new partnership with Sky Sports. From 6th August Vodafone customers can enjoy Sky Sports channels live on their mobile just in time for start of the Premier League season on 16th August, followed by the 2014 Ryder Cup next month. Customers can avail of Sky Sports Mobile TV as part of their Red Extra bill pay plan or as an add-on to their current bill pay or PAYG package.
