Babel - how would you play him?

[Buddha]

He's certainly been one of the few positives to take out of pre-season thus far and his work rate and desire seem to have taken the necessary leap forward we all wanted. But what to do with him now?

If you were Rafa, what plans would you have for Ryan Babel this season? Encourage him to keep up his pre-season form and oust Riera out of the starting place for the left-hand side? Move him into the centre and give him the chance to prove himself an able deputy for Torres? Or keep him as an impact sub to replace Dirk or Albert for the last 20 mins of every game?

I'd like to see him get minutes in every game early in the season, say 20-25 mins per game to replace either Riera or Kuyt. I'd also make it clear that should he make game-winning impacts in his sub appearances, he'd get a run of games on either the left or right from the start.

 

[Judge Jules]

A lot will depend on what formation Rafa's going to put out. We've yet to see what difference Alonso's departure will make in that respect.

 

[keniget]

20-25mins as a sub here and there isn't really going to do the trick in my opinion.

He needs to be given more confidence and that will come by starting games and feeling like he's being counted on. I'd like to think that we could afford to give him a chance from the start against the lesser sides at Anfield.

 

[ibromurph]

If he's going to play out wide, I reckon he'd be a lot more useful on the right than on the left due to the way he dribbles. Problem is, we've already got Dirk and Benny out there. To be honest, it's difficult to see him getting much game time. I still don't think Rafa trusts him (not sure I do either).

 

[doctor_mac]

I've always liked the look of him on the right. I watched the home game against Utd last night, and it reminded me how successful he can be as an impact sub- he came on and played well straight away. As you say, Albert and Kuyt have first dibs, but we should be bringing in Babel on 60 mins, and not only for Albert, for Kuyt too.

 

[spider-Neil]

difficult to answer that, one thing I would do though is reward his with good peformances by keeping him in the team that way he will try harder to remain in the team rather than feel he isn't going to get a run regardless.

 

[Stulikesdrums]

[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=35111.msg920335#msg920335 date=1249644143]
I've always liked the look of him on the right. I watched the home game against Utd last night, and it reminded me how successful he can be as an impact sub- he came on and played well straight away. As you say, Albert and Kuyt have first dibs, but we should be bringing in Babel on 60 mins, and not only for Albert, for Kuyt too.
[/quote]

That is pretty much my view. Back up winger.
He hasn't done enough to make the starting XI, yet.
Not having a nailed on position will hurt him too, like it has Joe Cole.
I know he prefers to play as a striker, but he might find Voronin in front of him this season too.

 

[Stulikesdrums]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=35111.msg920336#msg920336 date=1249644184]
difficult to answer that, one thing I would do though is reward him with good peformances by keeping him in the team that why he will try harder to remain in the team rather than feel he isn't going to get a run regardless.
[/quote]

Instead of whom and in what position?

 

[Friend no. 2]

[quote author=Stu link=topic=35111.msg920343#msg920343 date=1249644400]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=35111.msg920336#msg920336 date=1249644184]
difficult to answer that, one thing I would do though is reward him with good peformances by keeping him in the team that why he will try harder to remain in the team rather than feel he isn't going to get a run regardless.
[/quote]

Instead of whom and in what position?
[/quote]

Well if he's comes on and does well repeatedly he should take the place of whichever wing is performing poorest.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

I'd start him out on the left of a forward 3.

 

[Buddha]

[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=35111.msg920349#msg920349 date=1249644602]
I'd start him out on the left of a forward 3.
[/quote]

I just think Rafa will (rightly) see Riera as the much more "solid" option there.

 

[spider-Neil]

[quote author=Stu link=topic=35111.msg920343#msg920343 date=1249644400]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=35111.msg920336#msg920336 date=1249644184]
difficult to answer that, one thing I would do though is reward him with good peformances by keeping him in the team that why he will try harder to remain in the team rather than feel he isn't going to get a run regardless.
[/quote]



Instead of whom and in what position?
[/quote]

for example, if he played in the CL group stage and put in a good performance he should stay in the team when they play the next game, he will feel rewarded and whoever is losing out will fight harder to get back in the team. there were some decent performances that babel put in only to find himself back on the bench in the very next game.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

[quote author=Buddha link=topic=35111.msg920351#msg920351 date=1249644705]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=35111.msg920349#msg920349 date=1249644602]
I'd start him out on the left of a forward 3.
[/quote]

I just think Rafa will (rightly) see Riera as the much more "solid" option there.
[/quote]

Normally I'd tend to agree with you mate, but with Riera picking up a knock then maybe Babel will get the first opportunity there.

Personally i think that Babel has it in him to improve the most out of all of our players this season, and if he can get off to a good start, then the wide left position could be his for the taking.

 

[Molbystwin]

I'd start him wherever we can sell him.

 

[doctor_mac]

[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=35111.msg920359#msg920359 date=1249645096]
[quote author=Buddha link=topic=35111.msg920351#msg920351 date=1249644705]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=35111.msg920349#msg920349 date=1249644602]
I'd start him out on the left of a forward 3.
[/quote]

I just think Rafa will (rightly) see Riera as the much more "solid" option there.
[/quote]

Normally I'd tend to agree with you mate, but with Riera picking up a knock then maybe Babel will get the first opportunity there.

Personally i think that Babel has it in him to improve the most out of all of our players this season, and if he can get off to a good start, then the wide left position could be his for the taking.
[/quote]

You haven't answered the Silva query.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=35111.msg920363#msg920363 date=1249645221]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=35111.msg920359#msg920359 date=1249645096]
[quote author=Buddha link=topic=35111.msg920351#msg920351 date=1249644705]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=35111.msg920349#msg920349 date=1249644602]
I'd start him out on the left of a forward 3.
[/quote]

I just think Rafa will (rightly) see Riera as the much more "solid" option there.
[/quote]

Normally I'd tend to agree with you mate, but with Riera picking up a knock then maybe Babel will get the first opportunity there.

Personally i think that Babel has it in him to improve the most out of all of our players this season, and if he can get off to a good start, then the wide left position could be his for the taking.
[/quote]

You haven't answered the Silva query.
[/quote]

Check again.

 

[Frogfish]

Who would start him in the 1st team ? Not many I'm sure. Though it seems like some are able to forget and forgive and give him another undeserved shot (pre-season really doesn't count for much does it).

At the end of last season I said we needed a strong winger (L or R), back up striker and new RB. I didn't think we would end up swapping Xabi for Aquilani but it makes little difference in terms of what we still need, IMHO, to win the league.
I don't think we need a back up CB now (Kelly has been good in pre-season and as 4th choice would be good enough. RB - done. LW / AM and back up striker are still on the hit-list and Babel isn't good enough for either. Silva plus someone to understudy Torres (if Nemeth doesn't look like stepping up - and I wouldn't like to bank our title hopes on him). Babel can go.

 

[Frogfish]

[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=35111.msg920349#msg920349 date=1249644602]
I'd start him out on the left of a forward 3.
[/quote]

Not good enough.

 

[Skullflower]

he doesn't have a chance of good run imo. he'll need an injury to kuyt or riera to have a chance.

 

[rage]

i'd start him with another team and have 8 million towards silva.

last chance for babel this season with us. at least he's had a full pre season and to give him his dues is looking sharp.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

[quote author=Frogfish link=topic=35111.msg920405#msg920405 date=1249646934]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=35111.msg920349#msg920349 date=1249644602]
I'd start him out on the left of a forward 3.
[/quote]

Not good enough.
[/quote]

He's going to be our most improved player this season, I've seen it in the stars!

 

[Frogfish]

[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=35111.msg920433#msg920433 date=1249647829]
[quote author=Frogfish link=topic=35111.msg920405#msg920405 date=1249646934]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=35111.msg920349#msg920349 date=1249644602]
I'd start him out on the left of a forward 3.
[/quote]

Not good enough.
[/quote]

He's going to be our most improved player this season, I've seen it in the stars!
[/quote]

I hope we get better - but if he stays then you had better be right !

 

[Skullflower]

in fact, i'd love to see him on loan at a premiership club. that would be boss.

 

[rage]

[quote author=Skullflower link=topic=35111.msg920437#msg920437 date=1249647948]
in fact, i'd love to see him on loan at a premiership club. that would be boss.
[/quote]

send him to burnley. that'd be interesting.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

[quote author=Frogfish link=topic=35111.msg920435#msg920435 date=1249647918]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=35111.msg920433#msg920433 date=1249647829]
[quote author=Frogfish link=topic=35111.msg920405#msg920405 date=1249646934]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=35111.msg920349#msg920349 date=1249644602]
I'd start him out on the left of a forward 3.
[/quote]

Not good enough.
[/quote]

He's going to be our most improved player this season, I've seen it in the stars!
[/quote]

I hope we get better - but if he stays then you had better be right !
[/quote]

I'm safe either way mate. Everyone is going to be focusing on Oncy's predictions with regards to Aquilani.

 

[Squiggles]

I think he'll have to be content with a place on the bench and earn his way into the first team from impact performances - though this is obviously based on Rafa recognising his performance.

He's adaptable, being able LW, RW and, I guess, up front, so he should get a reasonable amount of game time this season. I really hope Rafa doesn't freeze him out this year.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

Is Reira likely to be fit to start the season?

 

[LarryHagman]

I think he's a striker. If we play 1 up front, and its Torres (obv), he doesn't start. When we rest Torres, or play 2 up top, play him there. His past performances hint that he's nowhere near good enough anywhere else.

 

[Mersey86]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=35111.msg920336#msg920336 date=1249644184]
difficult to answer that, one thing I would do though is reward his with good peformances by keeping him in the team that way he will try harder to remain in the team rather than feel he isn't going to get a run regardless.
[/quote]
That's a very good point. If Babel can play to his potential (and encouragement is going to play a big part in this), then we will be a better team for it.

 

[rurikbird]

[quote author=Skullflower link=topic=35111.msg920437#msg920437 date=1249647948]
in fact, i'd love to see him on loan at a premiership club. that would be boss.
[/quote]

How many players of 20 years and older can you name who've been loaned out and came back stronger than they were? Usually it only works to players disadvantage and kills their remaining confidence. And managers at small clubs might not be so good at grooming players with top-class potential. Rafa might not be as good as Wenger in this regard, but I would much rather entrust the education of Babel to him than some small-time coach from some shithole who only knows how to shout at his players.