Boss: We want to make Ibe top-class
Brendan Rodgers wants to create the perfect environment this season for Jordon Ibe to maintain his path towards becoming a 'top-class performer' with Liverpool.
The exciting winger was a stand-out during the team's tour of Asia and Australia this month, showing off his blistering pace, fancy footwork and shooting power.
The latter was most evident in the friendly with a Malaysia XI as the 19-year-old burst in from the right flank and thrashed into the top corner to equalise.
Ibe's pre-season exertions have continued on from the positive form he displayed last season, when he thrived with the Reds having been recalled from loan.
Rodgers reiterated that there's plenty more work for the No.33 to do but promised to provide all of the resources for him to achieve his full potential.
"It's year-on-year improvement," the manager told Liverpoolfc.com in an extended interview on tour that LFCTV GO subscribers can watch below.
"We mustn't forget he's still only 19. He broke into the team young and had some appearances. We felt he needed a loan, has gone out and did really well.
"Then when he came back last season he was exceptional in his performances. I think he really excites the supporters.
"He's definitely a player that we want to really create into a top-class performer, but we've got to give him that time and we're creating the environment for him to do that.
"You see how exciting he is, but he still has a lot of potential and work to do. He's one that certainly will feature heavily this year."