Ryan Babel

[blacky]

I think today summed up Kuyt, can't live without him in games where we need energy - no other player in this world would have followed upin support of a dead ball Mascherano chased in the hope of that 1% chance it might stay in - but boy does he lack quality in front of goal.

He ain't proflific that's for sure but he has proved time and time again he is a big game player. Love him or hate him he is a vital part of the team/squad. His movement and positional sense today were 2nd to none. I have said on here before that he should be played up top. He can be a mark huges style player for us he has the attributes. Rafa needs to rotate his strikers. Use Bable and Riera on the wings.

[-V-]

Dossena was dropped after about three games.

Dossena played 2 internationals for Italy while Aurelio was rested and fresher to play

Massive Difference. Money is on it that Dossena plays on Tuesday. Its about using your squad.

Wheras dropping Keane would be madness coz everyone knows he's a quality player and with time on the park he will start firing them in

[sevennilphil]

I have to disagree about Kuyt's performance today. Yes, he never gave up and yes, he will run all day for the cause BUT Dirk's lack of technique was all too evident today. Misplaced passes, lack of control...the cut back for Babel's goal was well executed but was hardly difficult. IMO Babel needs to start on the right. If you want Kuyt in the team it must be upfront but even then he will only score 1 out of every 3 chances.

[blacky]

I have to disagree about Kuyt's performance today. Yes, he never gave up and yes, he will run all day for the cause BUT Dirk's lack of technique was all too evident today. Misplaced passes, lack of control...the cut back for Babel's goal was well executed but was hardly difficult. IMO Babel needs to start on the right. If you want Kuyt in the team it must be upfront but even then he will only score 1 out of every 3 chances.

I'd be happy with that. That's about the same rate as Torres.

[red g]

i know i am glad we got him instead of malouda. Babel has HUGE potential

[Assassin]

i know i am glad we got him instead of malouda. Babel has HUGE potential

[Rich]

Supremely talented as Babel is, at times he just doesn't do the right thing on the pitch; at the moment he's an amazing impact player coming off the bench.

As for Kuyt I thought he had a terrific game HOWEVER his first touch is appalling, which is frustrating when he gets himself in some great positions.

[Guest]

Don't be a ****. That's not what is being said at all.

Eh !? So Babel came on as a sub and we won and you're preaching for him to play till the start ??? Who's the idiot there ?

[Migselv]

I disagree...100%

Kuyt worked hard (mostly chasing the ball he gave away or the ball he knocked on from his terrible first touch) and missed 2 absolute sitters. He set the goal up very well, but man of the match....not by a million miles.

And I'm not saying this to get a rise out of anyone, I genuinely thought there were moments today where Kuyt looked awful. Saying that, the first half most of the team did.

Couldn't agree more....

[Parm]

I'd like to see Riera and Babel out wide, for me Kuyt played better when he was up front today than when he was out wide

yup, played in his proper position Kuyt was a handful, should have scored 2 goals but Bab Der Sar made some very good saves to deny him.

[redlancer]

yup, played in his proper position Kuyt was a handful, should have scored 2 goals but Bab Der Sar made some very good saves to deny him.

that's the way i saw it - haven't watched it on tele yet.
but the 1st chance seemed to be 3 palyers to shoot though at close range
2nd looked a good save again close range.

and as for missplaced passes the one for babel was terrible.

just realised this is a babel post

both of our goals came from the left winger comming into the box.
obviously something we must of worked on.
I'd like to see Babel given the right slot for a while though I can't see Rafa playing 2 wide players at the same time

As for Kuyt he isn't going to be a sub to be brought on unless we are comftable and then in effect he isn't needed i.e. he's a player to harry and tire teams.
Keane needs to play to get his confidence back and then we'd have 2 great forwards.
So Babel and Riera are fighting for one place IMO at the mo.

[dww]

Babel is looking like he is learning to be more intelligent and if that continues he has the skill and pace to be a huge asset to us. However at the minute he isn't quite at the level where I would want him starting every week. However I think Rafa should look at introducing him earlier in games.

[Kenneth]

Babel is looking like he is learning to be more intelligent and if that continues he has the skill and pace to be a huge asset to us. However at the minute he isn't quite at the level where I would want him starting every week. However I think Rafa should look at introducing him earlier in games.

He looks like he's coming on to the field with something to prove and really looks up for it. From the start, I'm not sure that drive is the same. Looks like he is getting better and better though.

[anfieldanfield]

Out of interest where does everyone see his "long term" position ?

On the wings in a 4-2-3-1 ? Or up front ?

[nbryan1764]

Out of interest where does everyone see his "long term" position ?

On the wings in a 4-2-3-1 ? Or up front ?

up front