Source: Liverpool_Echo
James Pearce: Ryan Babel still struggles to dazzle for Liverpool FC
Ryan Babel 300[LNB]JUST seven weeks into the biggest job of his 34-year management career, Roy Hodgson admits he is learning all the time.[LNB]Having promised a clean slate to all the players he inherited, the Reds boss is still weighing up who has a part to play in the new era and who should be sent packing.[LNB]Last night Hodgson got his first proper look at Liverpool's great enigma - Ryan Babel.[LNB]The Dutchman has flattered to deceive from the moment he walked into Anfield three years ago.[LNB] Ten goals in his first season was followed by just four the following year and only six last season.[LNB]Occasional flashes of brilliance such as the stunning strike against Lyon in the Champions League have been overshadowed by a succession of desperate performances when he has remained firmly on the periphery. He's a player too often found sulking on the wing and running down blind alleys.[LNB]There have been many false dawns at Liverpool for the right-footed left winger who insists he is a centre forward.[LNB]So many times one display seemed to signal a coming of age, only for him to slip back into bad habits.[LNB]When Liverpool paid Ajax £11.5million for his services, Babel was one of Europe's hottest young properties. Since then he has failed miserably to live up to the hype.[LNB]Rafa Benitez couldn't tap into his undoubted potential.
