Rafa Benitez has warned Ryan Babel he is fighting for his Liverpool future following his failure to make an impression at Anfield.
The Dutch forward has shown only glimpses of his true talent following a big-money move from Ajax in 2007.
Benitez has shown patience with his £11.5million capture but now feels the 22-year-old is underperforming having had time to adapt to English football.
While admitting he will give the Amsterdam-born wide man further opportunities to impress, Benitez has issued a blunt message with regards what he expects this season.
"Ryan has to give something to us this time and he knows it," said Benitez.
"He will have opportunities to prove himself with so many games coming up, but it is important he has the right mentality.
"Maybe there were some problems adapting to a new style when he arrived as a young player.
"He knows what is going on here now and hopefully can perform better. He accepts he has to perform at a different level this year."
The Dutch forward has shown only glimpses of his true talent following a big-money move from Ajax in 2007.
Benitez has shown patience with his £11.5million capture but now feels the 22-year-old is underperforming having had time to adapt to English football.
While admitting he will give the Amsterdam-born wide man further opportunities to impress, Benitez has issued a blunt message with regards what he expects this season.
"Ryan has to give something to us this time and he knows it," said Benitez.
"He will have opportunities to prove himself with so many games coming up, but it is important he has the right mentality.
"Maybe there were some problems adapting to a new style when he arrived as a young player.
"He knows what is going on here now and hopefully can perform better. He accepts he has to perform at a different level this year."
2 comments:
Babel is a great player but Benitez looks nervous talking like that. His comments may motivate Ryan to do his best but some may interpret it as a sign that he feels his squad is not ready to win the title this season. Babel will have many opportunities and together with Torres they may help Liverpool lift the title.
Babel show what you can do.
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