Ryan Babel ready to give his best for Liverpool; Rooney’s future at Man United is cause for concern
Dutch striker Ryan Babel claims that he is ready to show what he can do in the new season for Liverpool. The front man held extended talks with the new manager Roy Hodgson and said that he is ready to take the next step.
Babel said that last season he was mostly played as a winger by Rafael Benitez and it did not do justice to his talent. He said that he is a striker by trade and can only perform to optimum levels upfront. He said that Roy Hodgson has assured him that he would be playing in a striker’s role this season and he is looking forward to making full use of it.
There were reports that Babel may be on his way out of Anfield in a swap deal involving West Ham’s Carlton Cole. The deal however did not take shape before the end of transfer deadline.
The Dutchman stated he is determined to prove his manager right, and said that the faith shown in him by the boss would not go to waste.
While talking to Liverpool’s official website Babel said, "It's clear when a new manager comes in, everyone's chances are equal again with others." He added that this is exactly what he was hoping for and is delighted by the confidence given to him by the manager.
The twenty three year old striker said that the most important thing for him is to train as hard as he can in training, and then it is up to the manager to give him a chance.
Babel further stated that he is feeling very positive and confident, and that his fitness levels are great. He added that it’s only a matter of getting some time on the pitch to get his name back amongst the top strikers in Europe.
The front man from Netherlands was used by Hodgson as a striker in the Europa Cup play-off against Trabzonspor at Anfield. Babel vindicated the manager’s decision and scored the only goal in the game. However, he has not been able to get a starting place in the league. Babel has only managed two appearances against Manchester City and West Brom, both of which were from the bench.
Meanwhile, there are fears at Old Trafford that their ace strike Wayne Rooney’s future at the club may not be certain. According to British newspaper the Sun, Manchester United would have some worries over Rooney signing the contract extension that is believed to be worth 140,000 pounds a week.
The latest unwanted controversies surrounding Rooney’s private life mean that the club’s management are worried that a deal with Rooney would have to be signed soon. According to the newspaper if the contract is not signed by next summer the striker’s value will go down and the club will lose millions. As a result Rooney would be able to leave the club on his own terms.
Wayne Rooney was expected to have a meeting with the club Chief Executive David Gill, the meeting has not taken place yet. Manchester United however remain worried about the public image of their most important player, who has been the target of recent tabloid angst.
Wayne Rooney came to Manchester United back in 2004 after an impressive display for England in Euro 2004. Rooney was signed from Everton and since then he has established himself as one of the most important players at Old Trafford. The doubts about his future are sure to get the club management and fans worried alike, but hopefully the situation will be sorted in due time.
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