---
title: "Rodgers keen to keep Ibe grounded"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/rodgers-keen-to-keep-ibe-grounded/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sam Davies"
section: "Articles"
published: "2015-07-20T15:20:09Z"
modified: "2015-07-20T16:52:51Z"
---

# Rodgers keen to keep Ibe grounded

Brendan Rodgers says that Jordon Ibe *”still has a long way to go”,* despite the youngster’s impressive performance as Liverpool beat Adelaide United 2-0.

Since the departure of Raheem Sterling to Manchester City, Ibe has been lauded as the ideal player to replace Sterling.

The 19-year-old created the opening goal of the game for new signing James Milner to put the Reds 1-0 up, before Danny Ings bagged a second late on in the game.

However, manager Rodgers still believes the youngster signed from Wycombe Wanderers in 2012 still has a long way to go.

Speaking to the *Liverpool Echo*, Rodgers said:

*“He is still very young, he is still 19 years of age but you can see the potential in him.* *He just needs to be continually working hard at his game. He has still got a long way to go for that consistency but everyone sees that potential.*

[![Matt King/Getty Images](https://readeverything.co/readliverpool/readliverpoolfc/2015/07/GettyImages-481402838-1.jpg)](https://readeverything.co/readliverpool/readliverpoolfc/2015/07/GettyImages-481402838-1.jpg)

*“He went out on loan last season and came back to be part of the first team, so he is very much part of the squad.*

*“All our young players know that if they demonstrate the right personality they have a chance to play.”*

Ibe has been played in a more central position at times under Rodgers, but the Northern Irishman sees his future out wide:

*“He is a winger that likes to be on the outside. I’ve played him as a ‘number 10’ and had a look at him at him in there.*

*“I think he could maybe play that role as well, but I think he is a natural winger. He is happy to be in the duel, he likes to set up the ‘one v one’. His best position will be on the sides for sure,”* added Rodgers.