Babel happy at Liverpool
Liverpool winger Ryan Babel admits he is happy at Liverpool despite his lack of first team opportunities at the club.
There have been strong suggestions in the media that the Dutchman will look for a move to another club but he has said he is happy to wait for a chance under new manager Roy Hodgson.
Hodgson has now been in charge for a few games and has already started developing a system with certain players featuring more frequently. This does not seem to be a concern of Babel's as he believes he is still good enough to play for Liverpool on a regular basis.
Babel has some very good skills and attributes that he must show every single day at the club in order to get a chance in the team. However, he could easily be forced into a move by January if he does not get the chances he feels he deserves.
Playing quality
Babel is a very high quality wing player. He has a lot of pace, which makes him ideal to play on either side of the pitch. This allows him to get up and down the flanks in order to attack and to track back and defend.
He passes the ball very well and this will help him grab Hodgson's attention. Hodgson likes his teams to play attacking and attractive football and someone who is comfortable in possession will always be given a chance in one of Hodgson's teams.
Babel has to be praised for stating his desire to stay at the club and work hard. He has a very sensible mind both on and off the field and says the right things at the right times. It's now up to him to make the most of any chance he is given.
Babel said: "I have been through a difficult time at Liverpool but I look upon this year as a new chapter. I am trying to be positive and look forward. I have two years left on my contract and I love Liverpool. I am settled here."
The January window
If Babel does not get the first team chances that he expects in the next few months then the January transfer window represents a great chance for clubs to try and sign him. Although he seems happy at Liverpool, all professional players want to play regularly.
January is far enough away for Babel to prepare properly for the Premier League and then to give the club plenty of notice if he wants a move away. This should decrease the chance of friction between the player and the manager and keep all parties happy.
He added: "If I had the feeling I had done everything I can here then, maybe, I would look at something else. But I don't have that feeling at all. I feel I can be important for Liverpool."
Betting advice
Babel is a very attractive player to watch when he is in Liverpool's team and controlling one side of the pitch. Avoid backing him for the golden boot in the league or at his club because it does not look as though he will have the run of games needed to make a lasting impression by the end of the season.
He will feature and start in games against weaker teams where Hodgson will be able to rest other players. Back him to score in these games because it seems as though he will do his best to make sure he stays in the side. This means he will raise his game and it could result in a goal or two.
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