Source: SKY_Sports
Babel reiterates first-team plea
Ryan Babel has reiterated his desire for more first-team football at Liverpool but accepts that Fernando Torres is the star of the attacking show.[LNB] The Dutchman carved a reputation as a super-sub at the beginning of the season following a string of match-winning performances from the bench.[LNB]However, Babel has tailed off in the second half of the campaign, starting opportunities remain limited and his influence when joining games in the latter stages has decreased.[LNB]The 22-year-old has been deployed primarily as a winger by manager Rafa Benitez, but he has previously expressed a desire for a central role and is optimistic that the controversial winter sale of Robbie Keane will increase his chances.[LNB]"With Robbie having gone to Tottenham that has increased my chances a little more," Babel - who was linked with a loan return to former club Ajax earlier in the campaign - told the Liverpool Echo.[LNB]Desire"I feel that I am ready for more playing time so hopefully that will come.[LNB]"I have spoken with the manager and he has told me what my role can be in the future. If neccesary, I will play as a winger, but I have made no secret of my desire to play as a striker at Liverpool."[LNB]Babel recognises Spain international Torres is Benitez's first choice and he is hoping to learn from his team-mate.[LNB]"I have to be realistic. I know Fernando is the number one striker, there is no doubt about that," he added.[LNB]"But there are a lot of games and I want to prove that I can be a striker, too.[LNB]Wonderful"Fernando has wonderful movement and that is what makes him the player he is. It's definitely an area where I can get better, so I look at him in training.[LNB]"My shooting with my left foot could be better, too, and Fernando is good with both feet so I have been watching how he positions his body to strike the ball.[LNB]"I have to keep telling myself that I am only 22. it is easy to forget that.[LNB]"It is good for me that I have been playing more as a striker because that is where I feel most comfortable.[LNB]"But I have time on my side and there are more players in the squad who have more experience and are good in that role, too.[LNB]"As long as I am playing, though, I am happy being anywhere on the pitch."[LNB]
