Liverpool: Jordon Ibe can replace Raheem Sterling at Anfield says Phil Thompson

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson believes Jordon Ibe has "all the attributes" to replace Raheem Sterling at Anfield.

The England international has over two years left on his contract and has already turned down a £100,000-a-week contract. The star winger admitted that he is "flattered" to be linked with Arsenal, while Real Madrid have already confirmed their interest in signing him.

Ibe was called by Brendan Rodgers as he ended his loan spell with Derby County half way through the season. Since returning to Anfield, the 19-year-old has been in impressive form for the Reds.

However, the former Anfield star claims Sterling's potential departure from Liverpool should not worry the Merseyside club.

"With all the hullabaloo about Sterling and whether he'll be signing his contract or not, if he does decide to cut and run from Liverpool, well then we've got another youngster on the production line," Thompson told Sky Sports.

"Ibe has got a lot of potential on various different scales. Ability-wise he's top class. He's got dribbling ability, he's got the final ball and he can score goals."

Rodgers has been deploying Sterling as a striker this season. On the other hand, Ibe was played as a wing-back against Everton and Tottenham and as a winger against Newcastle United.

The former Swansea manager has played down the comparisons between the two young players. Thompson claims Ibe has shown the maturity to adapt in different roles and the teenager has impressed the Liverpool legend with his performance since returning to Anfield.

"Obviously, he's not an out-and-out striker, but he's a wide midfield player who's got goals in him, and that's something Liverpool have lacked over the years. Tactically, he's shown that he is aware – he can play in different systems," he explained.

"He played very well on loan at Derby on either the right or left side of a midfield four, but then he came into the Liverpool side in a wing-back role and he played it very well indeed. So, tactically, he looks good."

"All-round I think it's positive and it's nice for him to be fit because he came back from his loan, did very well but unfortunately got injured and dropped off the radar. So I'm glad to see him back before the end of the season and in contention to play," Thompson concluded.