Source: Telegraph
Rafa Benitez challenges Ryan Babel to fill Liverpool's attacking void
Babel himself, of course, did not come cheap, arriving just days before Fernando Torres for a fee of £13.5 million and bearing a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe. In his two years at Anfield, though, the Dutch international has flattered to deceive. Glimpses of his gifts in his first campaign gave way to stagnation in his second. Anything but progress in his third is likely to herald the end of his Liverpool career. [LNB]'Ryan knows he has to perform this year at a different level,' said Benitez, denied a move for David Silva by Liverpool's financial woes. 'He has to give something this year. He is really focused and wants to improve, and you could see that from the first day of pre-season training.Sometimes players, especially Dutch players, need more time, but now he knows what is going on here.' [LNB] Related ArticlesLiverpool seal Kyrgiakos dealLiverpool's Upson bid thwartedJohnson's joy at Liverpool startJohnson makes instant impactLiverpool v Aston Villa previewLiverpool close in on KyrgiakosLiverpool are expected to unveil Sotirios Kyrgiakos on Saturday after the £1.5 million defender completed a medical in time to face Aston Villa on Monday. Daniel Agger, who will undergo a back operation in France next week, is likely to face at least six weeks out. [LNB]
