PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW: Diamond in the rough set to sparkle on biggest stage

Jan 21 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

IT DIDN’T take long for Ryan Babel to realise there’s no hiding place from football in Liverpool.

The Dutchman was enjoying an afternoon’s shopping with his girlfriend Lindsay soon after his £11.5million summer move from Ajax when he noticed something wasn’t quite right.

“We went shopping twice and we met the same people in both shops,” recalls Babel. “I watched them closely for some time and they appeared to be following us. It was a weird experience; I’ve never come across a similar thing in Amsterdam.

“But I’m having a great time here. I obviously miss my family, friends and the town of Amsterdam, but I don’t feel homesick, leading such a beautiful, attractive and exciting life.”

Babel certainly hasn’t wasted any time in ascending his career ladder to ensure that existence.

Having only turned 21 last month, the striker had already appeared in a World Cup and won the European Under-21 Championships for his country before Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez came calling in July.

The Anfield faithful have been impressed by Babel’s contribution thus far, often as an impact substitute as he acclimatises to life in English football. Indeed, of his 29 appearances, 16 have come from the bench.

Babel will be hoping for only his sixth Premier League start when Aston Villa visit tonight as Benitez’s side aim to move back into the Champions League qualification places.

But the player himself is the first to admit that, given his tender years, he remains very much a work in progress.

“Benitez told me he had signed me as he wanted to have players available in his squad that are able to round their marker,” says Babel.

“I was told I would be given time to get used to playing games at a high level. I felt reassured for I had taken an important step in my career.

“I realise that people have high expectations of an expensive signing, but I am like a rough diamond that needs polishing.”

The promise has certainly already been evident at Liverpool. His goal against Luton Town in the FA Cup in midweek was his seventh of the season, although tellingly five of those have come as substitute.

Indeed, Babel has not played a full 90 minutes in the league this season for Liverpool as Benitez eases him into the first-team fray.

But the player concedes the intensive demands of the top flight have taken some getting used to.

“I would obviously relish more playing time,” admits Babel.

“I am ambitious and want to play. I am sometimes a bit disappointed not to play, but I appreciate Benitez’s ideas.

“He adopts a rotation policy, I knew that beforehand. He has his own special ideas. He announces his startling XI one hour before kick-off.

He will never give a hint at training whether you start or not.

“But I don’t think it is awkward for me not to be on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. I can’t physically cope with the terrific pace in the Premier League. I invariably face a tall task, even also against the so-called small clubs.