Rodgers: Why Ibe is important for us
Brendan Rodgers insists Jordon Ibe's form since returning from a loan stint at Derby County in January has established him as one of Liverpool's most important attacking weapons.
The 19-year-old has made nine appearances after being recalled from a spell at Pride Park, slotting seamlessly back into the Reds' first-team squad.
Ibe was handed a starting berth in Saturday's goalless draw at West Bromwich Albion and his pace and power were on full display as he came closest to breaking the deadlock when he crashed a second-half effort against the crossbar after a slick one-two with Mario Balotelli.
Rodgers was effusive in his praise for the No.33 on Monday morning, telling reporters at Melwood: "He's very important because he's direct and he wants to create and score goals.
"That is how we've worked over a couple of years and it's epitomised by the style of the team - to be aggressive in attack, create chances and score goals.
"He is very much a young player that gives us that.
"You've seen since he's come back into the team from his loan period, he's been really exciting and has wanted to work well. He had a spell out with injury and we did miss him - that pace and penetration.
"He's still got a long way to go in his development, young Jordon, but he's made some exciting steps."
Rodgers feels Ibe has is blessed with natural ability - something that requires careful nurturing on the Melwood training pitches.
The manager added: "He's a very good footballer. He loves football, watches a lot of football and takes on board the concepts and principles of the game.
"But he's also got this natural talent and you mustn't forget that. He's not the type of boy you want to over-coach, either.
"He has to know his function in the team, but he's got beautiful balance where he can go either way. He is super-fast and his technique is very clean.
"He's got lovely technique - he could play as a midfield player because he passes the ball really well and has a good idea of the game.
"He's one of those players that loves to be wide, he loves to be in the duel - and as he gains more games and experience of playing at a great club like this here, he'll only get better."
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