3/1 To Win
Phillip Cocu believes Derby County have landed a ‘quality player’ in Jordon Ibe - but he has stressed that patience will be required as he builds up his match sharpness.
The wideman this week penned a two-year deal with Derby after his contract with AFC Bournemouth came to an end in the summer.
Ibe, a former England Under-21 international winger, provides another attacking option and blistering pace for Cocu to call upon out wide.
The ex-Liverpool player is someone Derby supporters are already familiar with after he impressed in a loan spell at Pride Park Stadium in the 2014/15 campaign.
Ibe’s fine form in a Rams shirt provided a platform for him to return to the Reds and make his mark in the Premier League, before moving to Bournemouth in 2016.
Cocu is confident Derby have a good environment for Ibe to thrive on the pitch, but he says the 24-year-old needs time to build up his match fitness before stepping back into the cut and thrust of Championship action.
Speaking to RamsTV, Cocu said: “Jordon is a quality player, really confident when he is on the ball and great at one-on-one dribbling.
“In 2014/15 he spent half a season here at the club on loan and did really well. His contract ended at Bournemouth not long ago and he wanted to get back into training, playing and enjoying the game of football again.
“I think we have created a good environment here for him to get back to it, but he probably needs some time to get match fit.
“He hasn’t trained for some time, but he kept himself fit by using a personal trainer. That is good, but it is different than getting into group sessions so we will give him some time.”
Cocu believes Ibe can also be utilised in a central attacking position, in behind a central striker, in addition to being able to perform on either wing.
His creativity, alongside his electric pace and individual skill, will help provide a different and unique attacking option for the Rams in the final third.
Cocu said: “He is another option for us on both wings and can even play the number 10 position as well.
“Jordon is somebody who is very creative when he is on the ball, that is the type of player we are looking for.”
Ibe made 24 appearances for Derby during the 2014/15 campaign, scoring five times, and returns to the club with almost 200 appearances in club football to his name.
