Double Dutch Merseyside derby for Everton FC’s John Heitinga and Ryan Babel of Liverpool FC

Nov 27 2009 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post

Babel reveals that he is desperate to get a run of games at Liverpool and particularly relishes the big fixtures like the derby.

He said: “I was included in the starting XI in my first derby.

“I put in a fine display and was a constant menace to the defenders.

“The clashes with Everton are nice fixtures, along with those against Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

“I am so eager to play those game, but that’s exactly my problem: I am not often involved. I have been with Liverpool for two-and-a-half seasons now and I have never played two full matches in a row.”

Team spirit is often a valuable commodity in derby games and Babel claims that while there is a good rapport between Liverpool’s players on the field, away from football there are various groups.

He said: “What’s gone wrong this season? We just lack some good form.

“We have a pretty good team, although Xavi Alonso left us for Real Madrid. Steven Gerrard is a star player, the best versatile midfielder in the world. He is a genuine leader.

“Gerrard does not really talk to me because I hardly play.”

Babel added: “We have a squad with many players from different backgrounds and cultures.

We are a solid team on the pitch but off the pitch we go our own way.

“ The Spanish-speaking players get along together well and the youth players tend to stick together.

“Yossi Benayoun and Lucas and I get along like a house on fire.

“I don’t communicate a lot with Dirk Kuyt. Dirk is friends with the Spanish players.

“He plays cards with them and he seems to understand their jokes better than I do. “Nobody should feel sorry for me, though.

“I am not a wallflower, sitting quietly in a corner, but I prefer to go my own way.”

Babel believes he has now reached a crossroads in his Liverpool career.

Reports yesterday suggested that Benitez might be ready to offload him during the January transfer window along with Ukrainian frontman Andriy Voronin.

However, for all his comments on a supposed lack of opportunities, Babel insists he just wants to be given a chance to let his football do the talking.

“I would love to be allowed to play a number of matches in a row and feel confident about that. I think I’ve come to terms with my predicament by keeping my composure and keeping on to believe in myself.

“When I do well at training, I tell myself that I have proved I’m still up to it.”