Babel: Still a rough diamond
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Babel: I'm not tough enough yet
Liverpool's Ryan Babel has not complained about his bit-part role this term as he feels he is not tough enough to last a full game in England.
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The Dutch winger has won 22 international caps but was shocked by the "crazy" world of English football when he joined Liverpool from Ajax in the summer.
He has adapted quickly to his new way of life - including "horrible ice baths" - but knows Liverpool expect much more from him.
Babel told Liverpool's official website: "It's understandable I'm not playing 90 minutes. Physically, I'm not yet at the point that I'm able to play 90 minutes in the crazy tempo of the Premier League.
"(Manager) Rafa Benitez said that he signed me because he wanted more players in the squad who can get past opponents.
"Of course my status as a young talent carries certain expectations but Liverpool see me as a rough diamond that needs to be cut and polished."
johnd (Liverpool) : "...I thought HK was a lifelong Liverpool fan who fulfilled his dream to play for us. Some 4 years later, very few significant games for us, he gets offered a reduced contract and decides he doesn't support us that much. I actually backed him against a l..." view full comment
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Your Comments
C0rnelius (Liverpool fan)
"Oh yes.. Nani is a real tough one. Goes to the ground everytime he's touched and moaned like a baby.. REAL tough indeed"
Mogz (Leyton Orient fan)
"RFMUFC... if you took the time to consider things before typing your daft comment you probably understand a little more. None of the three you mentioned played many complete games in their first season at Old Trafford... "
chilli84 (Liverpool fan)
"rfmufc where are you from mate? Ive read through your posts and you could use a little work on the english. On the topic babel is just being honest. It shows his head is in the right place. And ronaldo had 3 years in the prem before he really did any damage. It will be interesting to see where Babel is in 3 years. He definatly had a better first season then ronaldo did."
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