Ibe tipped to surpass Sterling

Being compared to Euro 2016 flop Raheem Sterling might not be the greatest of compliments, but Jordon Ibe has what it takes to outshine the former Anfield starlet according to another ex-Red, Brad Smith.

Smith and Ibe both joined Bournemouth from Liverpool this summer, with the latter struggling to fulfil the potential that saw him snapped up from Wycombe at the tender age of 16.

Despite making 41 league appearances for the Reds over four years at Anfield, Ibe managed just one goal, in his final game against West Brom.

However Smith, who will be taking the same path to the south coast, believes that Ibe can surpass Sterling, who was sold to Manchester City for £49million just a year ago.

He has so far failed to justify that fee, with all six of his league goals coming against teams in the bottom half of the table, before a disastrous Euro 2016 in France where he became one of the scapegoats for England’s nightmare campaign.

Raheem Sterling in action during Euro 2016 against Iceland. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

But Smith believes Ibe and Sterling are similar players and has backed the former to make his mark on the international game following his summer move.

“Jordon is a great talent, he’s already shown down here what he can do,” said Smith.

“He’s got great potential and I hope he keeps pushing on and working hard and if he does he can reach the top.

“He and Raheem are very similar players, they both have bags of talent and a lot of potential.

“I think he can definitely be an England regular. He will be up there with Raheem, if not better.”