Liverpool vs. Tottenham: Breaking Down Jordon Ibe's Performance Against Spurs

Liverpool have hit Tottenham Hotspur's weak spots hard in both Premier League meetings between the clubs this season, and while Mario Balotelli's late winner in the Reds' 3-2 victory at Anfield on Tuesday night writes the headlines, it was arguably Jordon Ibe's performance which carved the visitors open.

Recently recalled early from a loan spell at Derby County, Ibe's re-entry into the Liverpool first team has the makings of a romantic sub-plot to the Reds' season, particularly with the way he made Liverpool's right-wing-back slot his own against Spurs.

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The confidence of the 19-year-old oozed in a fearless performance, with Rodgers setting up his 3-4-2-1 system to completely exploit the weakness of Tottenham's full-backs.

Early on, Ibe's lightning quick reactions saw him close down a loose ball halfway inside the visitors' half. With a deft touch using the outside of his boot, Ibe left Danny Rose for dead and began a pacey run into space down the right channel of the penalty area, winning a corner when his cross was turned behind by Jan Vertonghen.

It wouldn't be the last time Ibe got the better of Rose either. Minutes later Ibe took advantage of Rose failing to clear a simple ball on Liverpool's right wing inside the Spurs half. Again, Ibe's reactions saw him quickly make two or three yards on Rose. As he cut inside, making a wriggling run for the D of the penalty area, a frustrated Rose caught up and conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position. Ibe was very aware of his predator's impending challenge, astute enough to cut back inside just before Rose's boots came sliding in.

Later in the first half, Ibe's trickery in the right corner forced further despair upon Rose, making the yard he needed to deliver a low cross to Lazar Markovic, which resulted in Daniel Sturridge testing Hugo Lloris from close range.

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Ibe's ability to open up space and beat men at ease caused Spurs problems all evening and playing the match that extra pace ahead of the visitors was a refreshing sight for a Liverpool team who, particularly earlier in the season, have struggled to open up opponents.

In the air he showed bravery, making powerful leaps ahead of Rose and displaying an intelligent awareness of his team-mates' positions. He won all three of his headed duels, and 92 percent of total duels, during the evening, according to Squawka.

Shortly before half-time, Ibe won a header against Rose on the halfway line, playing it forward to Lazar Markovic. By the time Rose had landed and found his feet, Ibe had already gained five yards on his marker to receive a pass back from Markovic and cutely flick the ball past Eric Dier's incoming challenge to retain possession and again open up space and opportunity for Liverpool.

Throughout the game, Ibe's intelligence to know where his team-mates were and which ball to play was particularly impressive and is a key ingredient in the changing phases of a Brendan Rodgers game plan. For a player so young, and relatively new to the team, this showed both great maturity and an exciting high level of cohesion with the players around him.

Spurs didn't call Ibe into much defensive action, but when he was forced back deep into his own half, he used the space well to relieve any mounting pressure and maintain the Reds' possession.

On Tuesday night, Ibe was the extra yard or two Liverpool have craved to scare opponents this season. Rodgers will be keen not to lavish too much praise and expectations on the youngster in such early days, but the comparisons to Raheem Sterling regarding the intensity, potential and development of their games will no doubt continue to be a talking point among the media and fans.

"

If you think Ibe is brilliant as RWB you wait to see Ibe at LWF cutting in with his ferocious shooting & dribbling. It will be next level!

— Brodinho (@Brodinho) February 11, 2015"

Ibe's exciting return to the club comes at the perfect time for Rodgers' side to push on toward the business end of the season. Together with the settling of last summer's signings—particularly Markovic, who Ibe formed an impressive understanding with and took his goal very well—and the return of Daniel Sturridge from injury, Ibe gives Rodgers further options in an increasingly flourishing team.