Liverpool end Asia swing with 1-1 draw in Malaysia

Ibe scored a fantastic equaliser for the Reds as they rounded off their tour of Asia yesterday ahead of what will surely be a crucial campaign for Rodgers after the disappointment of last season.

The 19-year-old has excelled with the Reds, who ended their tour of the Far East and Australia with a 1-1 draw against a Malaysian XI on Friday, scoring a stunning goal to ensure their unbeaten record.

There is a unique set of circumstances that face Brendan Rodgers in the season opener, as he’s yet to identify a convincing first-choice starting eleven through the preseason and will only be able to offer four of his squad’s more talented members one match before the visit to the Britannia on August 9.

Ibe has been compared by his admirers to Raheem Sterling as he has grown up alongside the 20-year-old winger who made a £49 million move to Manchester City earlier this month, with that high-profile departure from Liverpool opening the door for another fresh-faced winger to make his mark.

When asked which player caught his eye, Rodgers replied: “The team did, the team was very good”.

“Ibe has been outstanding”, he is quoted as saying by ESPN.

Norshahrul gave Liverpool anxious moments with his darting runs and dazzling skills in attack but the striker’s efforts were wasted by poor finishing.

Moreno may have lacked the surprise factor of Gomez, or even have been quite as effective, but his performance was one which showed signs of promise.

Divock Origi is given an opportunity up front, while there are also starts for Adam Bogdan in goal, Jordon Ibe on the right wing and Adam Lallana on the left. For the first time I felt I needed the break.

“On behalf of everyone, we thank you for the support, it was a wonderful stay and we hope we can come again”. We just need to be ready and do our job and win the game.