Liverpool fullback Alberto Moreno has hailed the impact of Daniel Sturridge after his return from a muscle injury and has also praised young attacker Jordon Ibe’s performances.
Sturridge returned to action after nearly five months against West Ham in late January and scored a goal as well. His presence has added something extra in Liverpool’s attack that wasn’t present despite the pace and guile of Raheem Sterling up front. Although Sturridge has scored just once since his return, his presence up front has led to lot more goal scoring opportunities and also the general feeling of finally having someone who has a good goal scoring record in the past.
Moreno told the club’s official website, “You just have to watch him play to see how important he is.
“After being injured for so long, he scored a goal with his second touch [against West Ham]. You can see the type of footballer he is from that.
“Sturridge is a top player and everyone on the team was wishing he returned as soon as possible – and he’s done brilliantly. He’s a very important player for the team.”
Another player who has had an impact at the club is Jordon Ibe. The teenager was recalled from his loan spell at Derby County and since then he has impressed whenever he has played. So good Ibe has been since his return that Brendan Rodgers even gave him a start in the Merseyside Derby against Everton.
Moreno said that Ibe has been brilliant despite being only 19, “He is still so young and is showing his value already,” the 22-year-old commented. “He’s young, strong and fast – and he can play brilliantly using both feet.
“As well as that, he is from the Liverpool Academy and the fans enjoy having a first-team player from the club’s Academy.
“I bet he will turn out to be a very important player for Liverpool and a great footballer.”
Ibe had five goals and an assist in his 20 appearances for Derby in the Championship. He has been deployed as a right wingback thus far and hasn’t disappointed. With the Europa League coming up, he might once again get his chance to impress against Besiktas on Thursday.
Moreno too has been impressive on the other flank and after a few patch performances in the first half of the season, he is making the left side of the pitch his own now. The Spaniard is agile and has combined well with Philippe Coutinho on the left attacking side.