Over Achievers

[dww]

Fair point. I think I had enough of the "new zidane/platini/insert great here" during the Houllier era though. I'm not sure the pressure of such labels helps anyone and I'm never sure how useful they are to help describe a player either.

Here's to the day when the Mancs are describing their new prospects as the "next Babel".

[Darkon]

I think Lucas will be the player we will see the biggest improvement from next season. Massive talent and have had a season to adept, I think we will see the best of him next season...

[EST_1892]

Fair point. I think I had enough of the "new zidane/platini/insert great here"

Same here mate, but to be honest, those claims from Ged were made before we had often seen the player in action, I.E, pre YouTube era.

Here's to the day when the Mancs are describing their new prospects as the "next Babel".

I'm slightly optimistic it may happen (thats me sticking my neck out), haha.

I see what you are saying though. Being labelled after another great footballing name can bring it's extra pressure, more expectations from the fans than possibly the player himself, who may not give it a second thought? Once again, only time is going to tell but I've just got this feeling about him. Not in a gay way of course!

[Danish_Pastry]

I look forward to us signing the next Ashavin - eehhh - THE Ashavin!!!

[slimbimjim]

I hope Rafa overachieves and gets us the League, CL, FA Cup and League Cup.

Oh and roundhouse kicks whisky bollox in the face after beating them 3-0 with a Carragher hattrick.

[Matt]

I'm going with Degen for this.

Think if we're not going to be spending money on the kind of wingers we hope for a lot of the width will have to come from the fullbacks.

[el matador]

i would like to see lucas step up and show us his qualities, and also some of the kids make the breakthrough into the first team like Insua and maybe Jay Spearing. He deserves a chance.

Andrei Voronin didnt have a good season last year but he has quality and isnt half as bad a player as some on here make him out to be. He could be a useful squad player this coming season.

Several of our top players under performed at times last year - pennant, benayoun, and you would like more from them.

But for me, Ryan Babel will hopefully make the jump from being a player with loads of potential to a world class operator. We shouldnt put too much pressure on him but even Gerrard came out and said he has everything to be top class - its just down to him.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Okay time for the sober version

I have no idea what I was saying about Babel lol I really like the his direct style and willingness to run at players, first touch needs improving though.

Like most people I think it would be great to see Rafa place some trust in Nemeth but IMO he will be a Carling Cup player for atleast 1 more season.

If we signed Silva, Degen and Dossena then i think it would be interesting if we played Babel on the left and Silva on the right would be brilliant IMO. Both players cutting in with full-backs supporting would be nice to see.

[carheex]

Wasn't it van Basten who originally made the comparison. I'm not sure I have seen anything to justify such lofty praise. He has been decent and has a great turn of pace but his intelligence, awareness and finishing are far from what Henry had.

Henry's first season in the prem was nothing to write home about. Using that as a yardstick, Babel is way ahead of him already.

[dww]

I'm not sure Babel's first season was anything to write home about either to be honest.

[Gingawaria]

Henry's first season in the prem was nothing to write home about. Using that as a yardstick, Babel is way ahead of him already.

That's a common mistake...he might have had a slow start but Henry had a very good first season.

[Sean_LFC_1892]

Just hope that Babel doesn't start comparing himself to Henry a la Monsieur Cheyrou with Zidane - He doesn't need the added pressure to perform, natural talent should be allowed to take it's natural course and progress steadily. Something I fully expect Babel to do TBH.