Liverpool starlet Jordon Ibe has admitted that Steven Gerrard's departure this summer will come as a huge blow to the club's up-and-coming players.
The 35-year-old will bring his 28-year association with the Reds to an end later this month when he packs his bags to join MLS outfit Los Angeles Galaxy.
Ibe is the latest young star to burst through the Anfield ranks, and he has put a large chunk of his early success down to the outgoing Liverpool skipper.
"[Gerrard]'s been a big deal for us. He's always helped all the other players in the team," he told the club's official website. "He's helped a lot of the young lads, including me, so it's going to be a shame to lose him. But I'm happy for him to continue his journey.
"Sometimes he doesn't even have to say anything but you just see the way that he conducts himself on and off the pitch, you can just see that he's a legend for the club.
"Playing with him, you just want to play to the best of your ability and it keeps you on your toes. He's a great role model for the club and other players."
Ibe has made 11 appearances for Liverpool since returning from a loan spell at Derby County in January.
Daniel Lewis
