Ryan Babel

[JPK]

Forgot to mention, IMO, I would put Babel up front and unleash some of that pace at defences and let them start worrying about us.
Id bench ****ing Kuyt for a few games to do it, he'd be far more of a goal threat from there anyway.

Torres & Babel is the future IMO.

It does sound fairly frightening

[Red_Polo]

Never watched him till he signed for us BUT is it me or does anyone think he's very raw and certainly not ready to go straight into the first 11. It may be his style but to me he never looks in full control of the ball or his legs.........He's lighting quick and as got a powerful shot but at the moment thats it, hopefully in a year or 2 he'll become the player we need on the left/right/striker

Little bit raw, decision making not quite there yet. Ideally would be a quality second choice player with the potential to cement a first choice place over the season, but we're forced to rely on players like him for creativity unfortunately.

[lfcruleus]

I think his touch and control are bloody awful tbh but he compensates with his pace. I also dont think you can teach touch and control so best get used to it, i would like to see him getting into more shooting positions as he really can strike a ball.

[bigfooty]

He's no more "ready" than Gonzalez was at this stage last season.

But I think he has much more potential than Gonzalez.

[disco]

I'm looking forward to Kewell returning

[Nic83]

Never watched him till he signed for us BUT is it me or does anyone think he's very raw and certainly not ready to go straight into the first 11. It may be his style but to me he never looks in full control of the ball or his legs.........He's lighting quick and as got a powerful shot but at the moment thats it, hopefully in a year or 2 he'll become the player we need on the left/right/striker

I think he looks more awkward than he actually is. There is room for improvement though with his control, and I think he will develop this skill quite rapidly and be a fantastic player.

[Nic83]

I think his feet are moving quicker than his brain at the moment and that is why he is getting tangled up.Does that even make any sense?He looks like a striker to me who has pace and power.

No, not unless his brain is as slow as yours.

[desertscouser]

I'm looking forward to Kewell returning

You're a very patient man Disco. I doubt Kewell will ever play for us again.

[Nic83]

WTF has happened kewell now?

Very annoying.

[Morph]

WTF has happened kewell now?

Very annoying.

thigh tear, same thing he's been out with for the last 7 weeks or so, prob back next week tho which is good

[Guest]

Rafa's first choice for the left was Malouda and Babel was backup allegedly. He's a terrific talent though but still very raw. He needs to toughen up his character first as he's still a kid.

[Joe King]

He needs coaching in the right direction. He is still missing that certain something to make him a superstar

[bazza76]

Never watched him till he signed for us BUT is it me or does anyone think he's very raw and certainly not ready to go straight into the first 11. It may be his style but to me he never looks in full control of the ball or his legs.........He's lighting quick and as got a powerful shot but at the moment thats it, hopefully in a year or 2 he'll become the player we need on the left/right/striker

That is exactly what I have been saying about Babel, he needs time to adapt.
Hey Kaip, how come you are posting sensible posts on the forums these days?

[Kaip]

Hey Kaip, how come you are posting sensible posts on the forums these days?

I've had a bump on the head

[willa1975]

I'd play Babel...he's at a point where, while he's a bit raw, he's too good to get any better playing in the reserves. It will take time and patience, as he's young, but he needs games if he's going to reach his full potential with us.