 |
| Jordon Ibe is becoming frustrated at his lack of goals in a Liverpool shirt |
JORDON IBE has turned to Kop legend Kenny Dalglish as the Liverpool teenage star looks to break his goalscoring duck.
The 19-year-old winger who has become frustrated by continually hitting a blank in front of goal spent his summer wising up on what is required at the business end of the pitch.
Those extra hours of voluntary training were supervised by Anfield academy director Alex Inglethorpe who had helped shape Ibe’s career in the player’s formative years.
On the second day of the special arrangement Ibe suddenly found himself immersed in a Dalglish master class of finishing.
It’s why Ibe goes into tomorrow night’s crunch meeting with Arsenal at The Emirates with added confidence that he can break his 19 game goal famine.
 |
| Ibe has been having training sessions with Kenny Dalgish and Robbie Fowler to improve his shooting |
Ibe confessed: “It gets on my nerves sometimes that I haven’t scored a goal yet. I mentioned wanting to do some extra sessions in the summer to the gaffer (Brendan Rodgers) and Alex Inglethorpe.
“The first day it was just me and Alex. The next day there was Kenny which was a nice surprise. Alex had sorted it for Kenny to come and help.
“Kenny told me to always be positive and take shots at goal from all around the box, and if I haven’t got the ball to try and get in the box.
“It’s great advice from someone like Kenny who has scored all types of goals, tap ins, shots from 30 yards. To have someone of his status helping me was brilliant.
“I have seen clips of him on You Tube and seen him again when they show the Liverpool legends. I did this extra work from when the season finished until pre-season.
“Hopefully now being in the box whenever I can will become a habit. Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler have also joined in the training sessions at times. Now I just hope my first goal will come.”
A lack of goals hasn’t prevented Ibe starting in both of Liverpool’s Premier League games this season, effectively stepping into his big pal Raheem Sterling’s boots following his £49 million move to Manchester City.
Even though Rodgers has been busy in the transfer market Ibe, who made a big impact last season, has kept himself in the first team picture.
“The gaffer gives a chance to everyone. If you proved yourself in pre-season training then you would be given a chance whether you were a senior player or an 18-year-old like Joe Gomez who has done well.”
Ibe was close to Sterling during their time together on Merseyside. He isn’t fearful of the comparisons and the subsequent expectations.
“It just gives me confidence because he is a great player I want to aspire to achieve the sort of stuff he has. We’ve both come up through the academy. Hopefully I can keep doing well and get some goals.”he added.
Although Ibe was born in England he also qualifies to play for Nigeria and the Super Eagles would love to add him to their squad. Ibe is keeping his options open.
“I’ve not bothered myself about that. I’m just focussed on trying to get into the Liverpool team. That remains my priority right now. I haven’t spoken to anyone about it yet.”
As proved by his work during the summer holiday Ibe is a perfectionist. Being selected in Liverpool’s opening games against Stoke and Bournemouth, which have realised maximum points, isn’t enough.
He revealed: “I think I can do much better in attacking the full back. With more games hopefully I will become more confident and will do better in the coming games.
“The new signings have been great for us. They are all young like me and they are all hungry to do well. The manager has spoken to everyone after what happened last season. It’s like a new start. Our ambition is to get into the top four.”
Arsenal at The Emirates presents a tough test of Liverpool’s current standing. “They’re a good team, a passing team. Just the way our gaffer likes to play football as well so it should be a great contest.”he said.
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus