Babel Strugling With The Physical Side Of English Football

[Bender]

Ryan Babel has admitted he is finding it hard to settle into English football as he adapts to the physical nature of The Premier League.

The Liverpool winger, who joined The Reds for £11.5 million from Ajax last summer, was substituted in the 57th minute of the 1-1 Champions League draw with Arsenal on Wednesday and the 21-year-old says the fast tempo of the English top flight is troubling him.


"I was maybe a little disappointed to come off because you want to play every minute but I was tired," the Dutchman told Liverpool’s official website.

"It is new to me to play a lot of massive games in a week.

"We had Everton last weekend and now three games against Arsenal. We don't have this kind of thing in Holland, so it takes a lot of energy."

He added: "Maybe it was better for the team (that I was brought off)."

[saveferris]

He did take up two Arsenal players when attacking but his first touch was poor on Wednesday night, a rest for the league game tomorrow would be good for him

[Slinky Skills]

He just needs a bit more confidence in his own ability, he has all the attributes albeit not the greatest of touches.

I'd like to see him get down the wing more and taking defenders on instead of stopping and cutting inside. Maybe he would be better on the right rather than the left. Didn't have a great game the other night.

Something I noticed about him the other day aswell, when Torres scored against the Blue ****e Babel didn't really celebrate, it was a half arsed celebration almost which isn't very good to see especially in such a big match. I think he likes being in the headlines which indicates that he's not much of a team player. Hopefully Rafa will shake that **** out of him.

But overall I feel he'll be a success.