Kewell

[Pacman]

Without doubt he is still one if not the best left sided player in England. A fit Harry Kewell gives us an extra dimension. Rafa clearly rates him highly and I pray that his injuries are behind him because we could save our sevles 20 mil if he can stay fit and playing well.

I also loved the fact that the fans sung his name last night when he was warming up and when he was on the pitch. He gets a lot of stick some unjustified (the lack of commitment label is pure mis informed bollocks) and I think we need to give him our support.

[Red_hot]

He looked really decent when he came on and the fans really supported him. They were willing him to score which was cool.

HARRY! HARRY KEWELL!!!!!!

[Los Rojos]

I think its time he starts on Saturday.

Bring him off after 60minutes

I think I'd continue to use him as a substitute in the short term. He's looked very dangerous against tired players and we may get best use out of him as an impact substitute until he's fully match fit.

[flyboy]

It's a bit sad given all the dosh we've spent on "left wingers" (Gonzalez, Babel, Leto etc) that he's still our best option, but when fit and on-song he's a class act. Great to see him back.

babel as we know is at home playing as a striker.as for gonzalez and leto they were bought pre investment so i dont we will seeing average signings from now on

[El Diego]

He should retire from International footy, his body can't cope with all the games. He always gets injured while on international duty.

[steveheighwayrobbery]

I really really really really want him.

[dww]

I think I'd continue to use him as a substitute in the short term. He's looked very dangerous against tired players and we may get best use out of him as an impact substitute until he's fully match fit.

That would be my prefered option too. Playing him too much too soon is a big risk. As an impact player he will be able to go all out for the period he is on the pitch as well which is beneficial for the side.

On a side note I think having him about the squad will be a great help to Babel - showing him what runs to make etc.

[Howard_lfc]

That would be my prefered option too. Playing him too much too soon is a big risk. As an impact player he will be able to go all out for the period he is on the pitch as well which is beneficial for the side.

On a side note I think having him about the squad will be a great help to Babel - showing him what runs to make etc.

pointless really mate - his future lies more in the middle.

[El Jefecito]

I think I'd continue to use him as a substitute in the short term. He's looked very dangerous against tired players and we may get best use out of him as an impact substitute until he's fully match fit.

I think Rafa is rationing his minutes and re-evaluating his injury after each game. I doubt we'll see him start for a while yet. I hope the Aussies are as judicious with his minutes during the break.

[REDSCOUSER]

Do you think he'd agree to those terms? I think anything other than a years contract for Harry is a risk aswell.

No he probably won't but the club comes first and if RAFA thinks he aint worth the risk then a bosman is on the cards in the summer.

[dww]

pointless really mate - his future lies more in the middle.

I'm not so sure. I think he will play across the front line if we keep Rafa as the manager - probably more often than not behind another forward.

[tomasjj]

I'm not so sure. I think he will play across the front line if we keep Rafa as the manager - probably more often than not behind another forward.

I think you are on to something here.
This is the way I see Babel playing.
He could do a Henry, playing as a striker that drifts wide to pick up the ball.
But in the U21 Championships he played as a second striker; the creative forward kind of role.

Good thing is that he is so strong and quick. When Rafa wants a player to cut in and have a crack, he can play Babel on the left.
When he wants pace, dribbling and crossing down the right, he can play him there.
Creative forward play, play him behind the striker.

Babel is perfect for rotating between the attacking midfielder positions in the 4231.