Diego Armando Maradona wrote:A 17 year old started regularly at an elite level and didn't look out of place. The amount of people that seem to think that means nothing is unbelievable

Diego Armando Maradona wrote:A 17 year old started regularly at an elite level and didn't look out of place. The amount of people that seem to think that means nothing is unbelievable

Art Morte wrote:It's almost a shame that they're both wingers, thus competing for the same minutes. Wouldn't mind if other one was, say, a CM  

McAgger wrote:

Diego Armando Maradona wrote:A 17 year old started regularly at an elite level and didn't look out of place. The amount of people that seem to think that means nothing is unbelievable

What's your point?

Sterling did it at 17 and now Ibe is doing it at 17.

Art Morte wrote:Can't wait to see one these guys get some minutes in the league to see where they are at

Don't call me James wrote:Nice thread

As of right now I'm inclined to say Ibe is the better prospect from the short time we've seen him in the first team.
Decision Making:
One thing that absolutely amazes me is that he never makes the wrong choice. Unlike, Sterling, Ibe never runs himself into trouble with his dribbling. He dribbles when he knows he can beat his man and put in a good cross. He pulls it back and makes the simple pass when that's the better option. His decision making at 17 is absolutely amazing.

Vedict: Ibe

Physicality:
Sterling is amazingly fast. Ibe is amazingly fast. I personally think from what we've seen that Sterling is the quickest guy on the team but no one can sit here and argue that Ibe isn't just as quick. But I think that's where the comparison stops. Ibe is built like a tank for his age. Seeing him shield the ball from grown man like it's no problem is really impressive. Sterling on the other hand, has a very weak torso and core strength. His speed has bailed him out on many occasions but every time he's had to go full on shoulder to shoulder with anyone he's lost.

Verdict: Ibe

Finishing:
This one is way too early to tell. Sterling finished the one on one to to perfection against Preston. And his two goals last season were both peaches. However he missed so many good chances last season it was embarrassing. Ibe on the other hand, hasn't really gotten one v one opportunity to showcase his composure in front of goal so it's hard to judge. His goal against Preston though was beautifully placed.

Verdict: Tie

It's too early to tell how good both are tactically, technically both look at around the same level. Work ethic seems to be high for both as they both love to run. Passing and Vision is still much too early to tell.

So going by all this atm I think Ibe just edges it. I also think he's got the higher ceiling. We'll see. Future looks bright. YNWA

HEIL MEIN REDS wrote:I think we are lucky to have them both, because as already few people have suggested that their playing style is different and they seems to compliment each other. Whatever sterling does I appreciate that, although sometimes he looses the ball, he has that hunger to gain and develop his skills more and more. I remember reading his interview when he had signed the contract that he gets influenced by what suarez does on the pitch. Like in the last match, I remember that sometimes he would draw 2 or 3 players away with him creating space for others. I think he has to just learn how much to take on his own and when to involve his team mates.
Ibe, people have already explained.
It will be hard to pick up any one name but after three years I see Ibe outperforming sterling.

Nishy wrote:Agreed, Even i think Raheem has something more to him.

Basically Ibe has better decision making, Raheem has better dribbling ability. But Raheem just edges him.

I really hope we use both of them like Arsenal use Ox and Walcott.

Red Alert wrote:Ibe is better built than Sterling so can impress more against the PL sides. He also has a better shot on him.

But Raheem is better for me. I don't know, it's just something around him. I feel this pre-season has been sort of 'equal' in performances compared against each other, and I've seen a lot more of Sterling as he was in the first team last year. It's definitely a healthy competition at the club, and I think those two compliment each other well on each wing.

Art Morte wrote:Can't wait to see one these guys get some minutes in the league to see where they are at