Babel and Rafa

[Chrono]

I think a lot of this comes down to a self-confessed lack of fitness to play 90 minutes which is worrying as you would have thought by now that wouldn't be an issue.

[Roboklopp]

I think a lot of this comes down to a self-confessed lack of fitness to play 90 minutes which is worrying as you would have thought by now that wouldn't be an issue.

lack of preseason as i said

[rudedog]

In some respects, Babels current situation is similar to that of Baros. We could all see that Baros had potential - he was quick and could go past people - however, he also suffered from poor decison making and would often run down blind alleys. Many of us kept hoping that as he matured he would improve on these areas and become a more complete player. Unfortunately after a few seasons, it became apparent that this wasn't happening and coupled with his inability to follow Rafa's instructions when playing, he was moved on.

I do think that Babel has far more potential than Baros ever had and there is no reason why their developement should follow the same path, its just worrying to see some of Baros's shortcomings evident in Babel.

Reira is less of a goal threat than Babel but he has shown that he can provide genuine width to our attacking play, holds on to the ball and uses it intelligently. Where as with Babel, our attacking moves often break down when he becomes involved in them. Reira also works harder off the ball than Babel does which won't have escaped Rafa's attention. In short, Babels opportunities on the left are going to be limited now which is a problem as he needs playing time if he is to improve.

With Torres injured, I think the time has come for Rafa to give Babel some games playing as an out and out striker. Rafa has said that he feels that this is his natural position and I think some of Babels shortcomings should be less evident playing there. It will give Babel a chance to back up his recent words with actions - lets see him put his money where his mouth is so to speak.

[DannyMan2006]

I would say that at the moment Bable is a Match of the Day type player as opposed to a 90 minutes player.

If he was to start tonight there is no doubt that in the highlights he would look great due to his little attacking cameos. But in the 90 minutes his effort and overall play would be called into question.

There are a lot of managers around who will accept the MOTD contribution as they see him as a player who can make a difference and win them a game on his own, they will take the risk as they know that this player is on another level to any other player they have in terms of attacking ability.

Rafa, as we all know by now, is not one of the above managers. He expects everything that a normal "work man like" player would provide. That is the minimum. Give that and then it comes down to what else you can offer the team.

I can not think of one regular player under Rafa who did not chase around after the ball and give 80% - 100% effort, every game. Sometimes the quality has been lacking, but every player has showed at least 80% effort.

To be fair to Babel he has more often than not put this effort in when he plays, he just needs to be more solid and think when in possession of the ball. Sometimes a 5 yard pass is better than a 20 yard run.

Another thing that bothers me about Babel is him taking on players to early in the pitch. He has often dribbled past one or two only to get faced up by another player. What he needs to do is keep passing until he is one on one with a defender, then take the opportunity to run. If he draws two defenders then great, just knock it inside to where the space has been created.

Either way I think Babel will become an exceptional player. Hopefully with us and Benitez. Otherwise it will take a manager of a smaller team who is more willing to gamble to bring out the star. It wouldn't be the first time where a young prodigy has had to take a step back to take the steps forwards.

Ricardo Quaresma joined Barcelona early, but had to move to the smaller Porto to develop his game. He is now back in the big time with Inter.

[reds123]

Wasn't it frustrating for us and him again last night??? To see Ngog first on the pitch. I couldn't beleive myself. And during the 20 minutes he played, he produced the most dangerous shot last night again while Ngog simply did nothing. Rafa don't be stubborn.

[Harv]

Wasn't it frustrating for us and him again last night??? To see Ngog first on the pitch. I couldn't beleive myself. And during the 20 minutes he played, he produced the most dangerous shot last night again while Ngog simply did nothing. Rafa don't be stubborn.

He also lost the ball about three times and West ham nearly scored with one of them

He's talented for sure.....but his decision making is shocking sometimes. No composure, just blazes...alot like Cisse.

[reds123]

The problem is : we're running a risk of losing one of the most talented members of the squad.

Ronaldo took 2 seasons in the first 11 before he became a truly effective player, (he didn't terrorize defenders during 2003-05 like he did last year ) we can't possibly expect Babel to fulfil his undoubted potential without playing games.

[dww]

The thing is that during his period of not being great Ronaldo constantly showed signs of improvement and by all accounts works very hard at his game. I have no idea how hard babel trains etc. but eh hasn't improved at all since he first came as far as I can see. If Rafa sees him in training and doesn't believe he is making the step up then I'm inclined to believe him as when given starting opportunities Babel has done very little in general.

I'm increasingly of the opinion that Babel is the new Pennant. So much potential, so few brain cells. I'd love for him to blossom as a player for us but I suspect that Rafa made a gamble that he could polish him as a player and it hasn't paid off.

[reds123]

The thing is that during his period of not being great Ronaldo constantly showed signs of improvement and by all accounts works very hard at his game. I have no idea how hard babel trains etc. but eh hasn't improved at all since he first came as far as I can see. If Rafa sees him in training and doesn't believe he is making the step up then I'm inclined to believe him as when given starting opportunities Babel has done very little in general.

I'm increasingly of the opinion that Babel is the new Pennant. So much potential, so few brain cells. I'd love for him to blossom as a player for us but I suspect that Rafa made a gamble that he could polish him as a player and it hasn't paid off.

or because babel doesn't seem to fit in rafa's philosophy: he doesn't know how to play as a DM!

Wenger develops young players by giving them chance to play: Van Persie, Adebayor and all the present team!

Beleive me Babel can be better than Walcott!

[dww]

or because babel doesn't seem to fit in rafa's philosophy: he doesn't know how to play as a DM!

Wenger develops young players by giving them chance to play: Van Persie, Adebayor and all the present team!

Beleive me Babel can be better than Walcott!

Rafa developed some decent players as youth coach at Madrid, the players he brings in at youth level often seem to be flair players and his title winning Valencia team employed the likes of Vicente who were far from defensive players. I just don't believe this Rafa only likes defensive players - if it were true why buy Babel in the first place?

Rafa requires players to make an effort and to listen to his ideas. He doesn't seem to have a lot of patience with those who won't, which may or may not be a fault I suppose. I would suggest that van Persie is a very Rafa player as he is exceptionally efficient with the ball and his positioning. In footballing intelligence he came to this country with everything that Babel sadly lacks. I'd also point out that the Wenger method while highly effective has not been the panacea that people make out when arguing this point.

[Woobus]

or because babel doesn't seem to fit in rafa's philosophy: he doesn't know how to play as a DM!

Wenger develops young players by giving them chance to play: Van Persie, Adebayor and all the present team!

Beleive me Babel can be better than Walcott!

Babel played 49 games last year, more games than Van Persie has ever played in a season for Arsenal. To say he hasnt been given a chance is very unfair to Rafa.
Still think Babel will get a good run in the later part of the season when most players are tired from a long season, its when he excelled last year.
Same as Lucas who played a part in 32 games, if the kids show the right mentality they get games.

[SB]

Benitez must trust Babel or kiss goodbye to title hopes

Benitez must trust Babel or kiss goodbye to title hopes
by Sam Sheringham , 02 December 2008

http://www.setanta.com//uk/Blogs/Sam-Sheringham/2008/12/Benitez-must-trust-Babel-or-kiss-goodbye-to-title-hopes/

Another week and another two points dropped at home by Liverpool as their title challenge continues to falter.

Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal gave Rafael Benitez’s side a great chance to make a bold statement of their championship credentials. The brief was clear: sweep aside the hapless Hammers and take control of the title race. But not for the first time this season, Gerrard, Alonso and their functional but flawed supporting cast fluffed their lines. As the boos rang out around Anfield, you could sense the disappointment of fans coming to terms with the likelihood that their long wait for the title may be about to get even longer.

But it’s not all bad news for The Reds. They are one point clear and despite failing to score at home to Stoke, Fulham or West Ham, the destination of the Premier League trophy is still very much in their hands.

However, something has to change and it needs to change fast. I believe the answer lies in how Benitez chooses to compensate for the loss of Fernando Torres. Last night he chose to pair Robbie Keane and Dirk Kuyt up front, and with Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun huffing and puffing on the wings, there was a blatant lack of pace and penetration about Liverpool.

Ryan Babel, the one player who could replicate Torres’s ability to frighten defenders by running at them and beyond them with speed, was kept on the bench until the 78th minute. In the short time he was on the field the Dutchman showed more dynamism and directness than the rest of Liverpool’s attacking quartet put together, and almost scored with a fierce drive that swerved narrowly past the top corner.

Benitez’s treatment of Babel this season has been a mystery. After appearing to cement his place in the first team with some impressive performances towards the end of last term, it seemed this would be the year when the 21-year-old kicked on and really justified his £11.5 million transfer fee. A minor injury held him back at the start of the season, but when he came on and grabbed the winner against Manchester United, he looked destined to take a starring role in Liverpool’s assault on the title. But instead, the Dutchman has had to settle for a place on the bench, usually remaining there until deep into the second half, and given little chance to influence the outcome of the match.

Benitez has talked openly about the fact that he doesn’t trust Babel, he says the youngster must learn to defend better, to be more like Kuyt. What the Spaniard doesn’t seem to realise is that the best thing about Babel is that he is nothing like his fellow Dutchman - a title-winning side needs its mavericks as well as its work-horses and Babel’s willingness to take risks and try something beyond simple pragmatism could well be the key to unlocking stubborn defences like Fulham and West Ham.

With Keane looking a shadow of his former self (just two goals in 15 league games now) and Riera starting to demonstrate why Man City offloaded him so quickly, Benitez is in urgent need of a spark to reignite his team’s faltering challenge.

What must be particularly galling for Babel is that he seems to have fallen behind David Ngog in the pecking order. When Torres first tweaked his hamstring against Aston Villa in August, it was the little-known Frenchman who took his place and again last night, when Benitez needed a goal, he turned to the 19-year-old before eventually giving Babel his chance with just 12 minutes remaining. Ngog has done very little to suggest he is ready for the rigours of Premier League football and, besides, surely if he was any good, Arsene Wenger would have signed him three years ago.

Liverpool have their best chance in years of winning the league. With their three main rivals taking points off each other and losing nine games already between them this season, the door is well and truly open. But it’s going to take a sea change in the mentality of their manager to barge through it and claim the glory.

It’s time unleash his flying Dutchman.



Been saying this for ages. He's our Luis Garcia with pace. And Rafa rates N'Gog above him

[Guest]

The press have been saying that Manure's title challenge (and also Arsenal) were faltering earlier in the season. It's no different this time. The proof in the pudding lies in the league table and if we can stay top until the new year (or whereabouts) then I'd be well delighted knowing how well we normally finish a league season.

Babel's time will come I'm sure of that. Rafa knows why he isn't used more often and even from the beginning, but unless his tactical awareness improves he'll be playing second fiddle.

[reds123]

I totlly agree with the article above!
Babel can make the difference!

[SB]

The press have been saying that Manure's title challenge (and also Arsenal) were faltering earlier in the season. It's no different this time. The proof in the pudding lies in the league table and if we can stay top until the new year (or whereabouts) then I'd be well delighted knowing how well we normally finish a league season.

Babel's time will come I'm sure of that. Rafa knows why he isn't used more often and even from the beginning, but unless his tactical awareness improves he'll be playing second fiddle.

Because as the article says Fredo, Rafa is trying to turn Babel into a workaholic like Dirky. Let the guy play his natural game and let's see what comes of it.

Can't do worse than Keane or N'Gog IMO.