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Eddie Howe backs Jordon Ibe to impress as winger faces former club Liverpool

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14:  Jordan Ibe of AFC Bournemouth in action during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United  a
Image: Jordon Ibe is looking for his first Bournemouth goal

Eddie Howe is certain Jordon Ibe will become a "difference maker" for Bournemouth ahead of a clash with the winger's former employers Liverpool.

Ibe made 58 appearances for the Reds across four seasons, although he spent time away on loan with Birmingham City and Derby County, before moving to the south coast over the summer for a fee of £15m.

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The 20-year-old has since played 12 times in the Premier League for the Cherries and, although Howe admits it has taken him a while to settle in to a different style of play, he is convinced Ibe will be a long-term asset for the club.

Speaking ahead of the Nissan Super Sunday clash, Howe said: "He's only 20 years old and given time he will make a real difference.

Can Ibe fulfil his potential?
Can Ibe fulfil his potential?

Adam Bate explores winger's start at Bournemouth

"There is so much more to come, the potential of the player is limitless and he's technically and athletically excellent.

"Every player is different, people have to get used to our way of working. But we've seen a lot of good things from him.

File photo dated 01-05-2016 of Liverpool's Jordon Ibe PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday July 14, 2016. Bournemouth have announced the signing o
Image: Ibe left Liverpool at the end of the 2015-16 season to join Eddie Howe's side

"Maybe that hasn't happened consistently, but for a young player that's the challenge - to change those moments of brilliance into consistent match-winning efforts."

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Liverpool travel to Dorset on a superb run of form, with their only defeat of the season having come on August 20 against Burnley.

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Jack Wilshere has praised the role Bournemouth manager Howe has played in getting his career back on track since joining on loan from Arsenal

And Howe appreciates how difficult it is going to be for his side, who sit 12th in the table, to end the 15-game unbeaten streak Jurgen Klopp's side are enjoying.

"It's a great challenge," he added.

"They're a very good team, but why can't we win? We're at home, we're competitive here and we'll give it a very good go.

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Eddie Howe recalls Adam Lallana's loan spell with Bournemouth and admits Liverpool are title contenders

"There's no fear in our mind, the journey this club has been on to now be preparing to face Liverpool, what we'd have done to do that a few years ago, we'll take this kind of game and look to do ourselves proud.

"They're genuine (title) contenders and I really admire the way they play. They have a clear identity and I think the game will be a similar one to Arsenal given the quality we're up against."

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