THE Ryan Babel thread

[RedReet]

Similar to how i dont think i can use 10 games over 4.66 seasons, i also cant use 4 games at the start of this season over the previous 4 years.

Time will tell but during his tenure, Rafa has mostly adopted an inherently cautious approach.

But I noticed you had lengthy discussions with BrianF80 (I think) about how Rafa still refuses to drop a DM and wouldn’t accept Lucas as being classed as anything less.

Surely dropping a CB is a step further and a clear sign of intent for the season, and that's even before we concede?

[Craig_H]

But I noticed you had lengthy discussions with BrianF80 (I think) about how Rafa still refuses to drop a DM and wouldn’t accept Lucas as being classed as anything less.

Surely dropping a CB is a step further and a clear sign of intent for the season, and that's even before we concede?

Johnson will push forward anyway, that's in his game. You'll pretty much get that regardless.

Do you think then, that if we're chasing a goal, we should have both Mascherano and Lucas (neither of whom offers any real goal threat, neither in the form of creating or scoring) on the field?

[DannyMan2006]

And i was meaning a third ON the pitch, as opposed to backup - where you're not going to get anyone top class anyway.

I know, and I disagreed.

[Craig_H]

I know, and I disagreed.

You've been asking what we do if Torres gets injured, indicating that only having 2 is a risky business. And you also pointed out that we only had one last year, and still nearly won the title, so maybe if we'd had an extra one, it would've made a difference - and yet you dont think we need a third??

[RedReet]

Johnson will push forward anyway, that's in his game. You'll pretty much get that regardless.

Do you think then, that if we're chasing a goal, we should have both Mascherano and Lucas (neither of whom offers any real goal threat, neither in the form of creating or scoring) on the field?

But it's not just a case of Johnson getting forward and Carra covering for him. Carra also pushes forward as FB would and Kuyt joins the attack. We change to an extremely attack minded formation, not just allow one player the freedom to get forward.

The Lucas, Mascherano discussion I'd rather not get into as I'm off in a few minutes.

[Craig_H]

But it's not just a case of Johnson getting forward and Carra covering for him. Carra also pushes forward as FB would and Kuyt joins the attack. We change to an extremely attack minded formation, not just allow one player the freedom to get forward.

The Lucas, Mascherano discussion I'd rather not get into as I'm off in a few minutes.

It was a simple yes or no question

And i dont think a formation and a mentality are the same thing.

[DannyMan2006]

You've been asking what we do if Torres gets injured, indicating that only having 2 is a risky business. And you also pointed out that we only had one last year, and still nearly won the title, so maybe if we'd had an extra one, it would've made a difference - and yet you dont think we need a third??

As I've said all summer I think we needed BACK UP to Torres. Nothing fancy like a £20m signing.

[red g]

well Babel willg et his chance to shine.....and fail to deliver once again for sure

[Craig_H]

As I've said all summer I think we needed BACK UP to Torres. Nothing fancy like a £20m signing.

I think we can still struggle when people defend deep and in numbers.

Torres can be bullied out and gets sulky. So it's then left upto Gerrard.

I'd like a third one to take the pressure off them, someone who will regularly score and create.

[DannyMan2006]

I think we can still struggle when people defend deep and in numbers.

Torres can be bullied out and gets sulky. So it's then left upto Gerrard.

I'd like a third one to take the pressure off them, someone who will regularly score and create.

I think we'll have to see how Aquilani does before worrying about packed defences. Our problem so far this season has been defending at set pieces.

[red g]

As I've said all summer I think we needed BLACK UP Torres. Nothing fancy like a £20m signing.

i hear you brother .........

[Marky]

He's not really a winger though dan.

Yes he is, that's just my opinion though.

[Craig_H]

Yes he is, that's just my opinion though.

You're keeping up your usual standard of being absurdly wrong about pretty much everything

[BrianF80]

Have people not realised that when in possession, we switch to a 3232 formation, or a 3241 this year depending on the circumstances.

Carra goes RB, Johnson RW and Kuyt either comes inside or joins Torres up front.

Just watch the last couple of games and see how we line up from goal kicks. Even check Carra’s passing statistics from the Guardian chalkboard. A good majority come from the middle third of the right hand side, ie where the full back would be.

Until sky sports endorses this it will be deemed incorrect by way too many regardless of the reality of the situation. Sad but true.

[red g]

Liverpool winger Ryan Babel admits he may have to consider a loan move to former club Ajax in January to boost his World Cup hopes.

Babel has struggled to make a sustained impact since joining Liverpool from Ajax two years ago and was recently challenged to take his game up a level by manager Rafa Benitez.

The Holland international started the Reds' opening match of this season against Tottenham, but has subsequently made just one late substitute's appearance in the defeat by Aston Villa.

The 22-year-old is unhappy with his limited outings so far this term and believes promises have been broken.

"There have been a lot of things promised, but they haven't been followed up," Babel told De Telegraaf.

"I would get to play for more minutes and have more chances, but after the first defeat, I only lost my place."

A return to Ajax has been mooted and Babel believes a temporary deal in the January transfer window could provide his best chance of securing a place in Holland's squad for next summer's World Cup.

He added: "I think half a season at Ajax with a view to the World Cup wouldn't be a bad idea. I can add something to the Ajax squad.

"Loaning me out was not an option (in the summer). Now we have agreed to review the situation in January.

"I see the current situation as a signal that I really have to get playing"

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_5531504,00.html