Jordon Ibe’s first spell at Derby County, on loan from Liverpool during the 2014/15 campaign, was fantastic. At just 18 years of age, he was electrifying out wide for the Rams, offering pace and skill in abundance, frequently forcing supporters off their seats.
After scoring five goals and registering one assist in 24 appearances, the youngster’s exciting form saw him recalled by his parent club to try his luck in the Premier League.
Five years later, it hadn’t quite gone to plan for Ibe as he wound back up at Derby in the summer of 2020, this time on a permanent deal.
Signed on a free transfer by Phillip Cocu, the former starlet is yet to make an impression during his second coming, having featured just once for three minutes in a 0-0 draw with Stoke City back in early December.
Ibe had mostly been building up his fitness behind the scenes at Moore Farm with Wayne Rooney frequently updating supporters on the winger’s everchanging state throughout the first half of the season.
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Rooney let it be known recently that an internal investigation had took place surrounding the Wycombe Wanderers academy graduate. However, this has not been brought up again since, which we can only assume is a positive sign.
The 25-year-old has also made public knowledge of his struggles with depression this year in a brave statement on Instagram, so understandably supporters were pleased to see Ibe post a short clip in good spirits from the training ground’s gym this morning.
It is certainly a relief to see Ibe back at the training ground. Many feel he may still have a lot to offer and if he is able to rekindle any kind of form similar to that of his 2014/15 campaign then we are in for a real treat.
Who knows when he will next be involved with the first team? Either way, this is a good foot in the right direction and we shall hopefully see him back on that Pride Park pitch soon.