Saturday 3 December 2016 20:37, UK
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.
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.
"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.
"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."
Liverpool travel to Dorset on a superb run of form, with their only defeat of the season having come on August 20 against Burnley.
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.
"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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